United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Fish and
Wildlife Service
Washington. D.C. 20240
Office of Research and.Development
Office of Energy, Minerals and Industry
Washington, D.C. 20460
EPA-600/7-77-048
April 1977
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF
ENERGY -- ABSTRACTS OF
SELECTED PROJECTS
SUPPORTED BY EPA FUNDS
Interagency
Energy-Environment
Research and Development
Program Report
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RESEARCH REPORTING SERIES
Research reports of the Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, have been grouped into nine series. These nine broad cate-
gories were established to facilitate further development and application of en-
vironmental technology. Elimination of traditional grouping was consciously
planned to foster technology transfer and a maximum interface in related fields.
The nine series are:
1. Environmental Health Effects Research
2. Environmental Protection Technology
3. Ecological Research
4. Environmental Monitoring
5. Socioeconomic Environmental Studies
6. Scientific and Technical Assessment Reports (STAR)
7. Interagency Energy-Environment Research and Development
8. "Special" Reports
9. Miscellaneous Reports
This report has been assigned to the INTERAGENCY ENERGY-ENVIRONMENT
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT series. Reports in this series result from the
effort funded under the 17-agency Federal Energy/Environment Research and
Development Program. These studies relate to EPA's mission to protect the public
health and welfare from adverse effects of pollutants associated with energy sys-
tems. The goal of the Program is to assure the rapid development of domestic
energy supplies in an environmentally-compatible manner by providing the nec-
essary environmental data and control technology. Investigations include analy-
ses of the transport of energy-related pollutants and their health and ecological
effects; assessments of, and development of, control technologies for energy
systems; and integrated assessments of a wide range of energy-related environ-
mental issues.
This document is available to the public through the National Technical Informa-
tion Service, Springfield, Virginia 22161.
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EPA-600/7-77-048
April 1977
ENVIPONME3SITAL EFFECTS OF ENERGY
ABSTRACTS OF SELECTED PROJECTS
SUPPORTED BY EPA FUNDS
Interagency
Energy/Environment
Research and Development
Program Report
Project Officer
Clinton W. Hall
Office of Energy, Minerals and Industry
Office of Research and Development
Washington, D.C. 20460
OFFICE OF ENERGY, MINERALS AND INDUSTRY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
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DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by the Office of Research and Development,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and approved for publication. Mention
of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement of rec-
ommendation fdr use.
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FOREWORD
Although the Federal Government has been the major sponsor of energy
research and development since the early 1950's, it has been only recently
that energy/environment R&D has been of major public concern. Since fiscal
year 1975, the Environmental Protection Agency has had the lead responsibility
for the planning, coordination, and implementation of the Federal Interagency
Energy/Environment R&D Program.
This Program, funded at approximately $100 million per year and
participated in by seventeen Federal departments and agencies, is based on
the recommendations of two interagency working groups commissioned by the
Council on Environmental Quality and the Office of Management and Budget
in 1974. The "Report of the Interagency Working Group on Health and
Environmental Effects of Energy Use," completed in November 1974, recommended
an integrated environmental sciences research program addressing needs in
five major areas:
o Pollutant Characterization and Monitoring
o Environmental Transport Processes
o Health Effects
o Ecological Effects
o Integrated Assessment
The program is now in its fourth year. We are committed to keeping
the Interagency Energy/Environment Program objective oriented. Accordingly,
a series of program review and planning sessions have been scheduled for each
subprogram area both to characterize the science being conducted, and its
relevance for management as well as to identify critical gaps in information.
It is hoped that in this manner we can adequately anticipate and provide the
kind of information that will ensure sound environmental consideration in
future energy policy and decision-making.
This report contains project abstracts prepared for an Environmental
Effects of Energy Conference held at Savannah, Georgia on December 2 and 3,
1976, at which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Oak Ridge Associated
Universities were commissioned to review two segments of EPA's energy/environ-
ment program: ecological effects and environmental transport processes.
These abstracts were one important input for this evaluation.
Clinton W. Hall, Director
Energy Coordination Staff
U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency
iii
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ABSTRACT
This report contains project abstracts prepared for an Environmental
Effects of Energy Conference held at Savannah, Georgia, on December 2 and 3,
1976, to review two segments of the Environmental Protection Agency's
interagency energy/environment program: ecological effects and environ-
mental transport processes. The purposes were to characterize the science,
its relevance for management, as well as to identify critical gaps in
information. These abstracts were one important input for this evaluation.
IV
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CONTENTS
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Index 1
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Index 17
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE
Index . . . ; 25
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Index 31
UNITED STATES ENERGY RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION
Index 59
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Index 79
TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY
Index 157
V
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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Research Service
Develop Reclamation Plan Before Mining
Operation Begins
Determine Effect of Strip-Mining and
Reclamation Processes on the Quality
and Quantity of Water Leaving the Area
Determine Effect of Strip-Mine Reclamation
Practices on the Nutritional Quality of
Forages or Other Crops Grown on Reclaimed
Area
Forest Service
Assess Quality of Water in Strip-Mined Areas
as It Relates to Habitat for Aquatic Organisms
and Wildlife Species Associated with These
Water Bodies
Assess the Redepositioning and Stabilizing of
Mine Spoils and Identify Technologies that
will Enhance Water Quality for Associated
Aquatic Life
Assess Effects of Mining-Related Transportation
Systems in Water, Air, Soil, Plant, Animal
and Aesthetic Resources
Develop Operational Technical Information
Systems for Reclamation of Lands Affected
by Mining
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Cooperative State Research Service
Hydrologic Management in Strip Mining .... 10
. Effects of Species Root Distribution on Soil
Biota-genesis-hydrological Characteristics 11
Establishment and Seed Development of Species
Grown in Reclaimed Areas 12
Resource Inventory, Monitoring, and Analysis
System 13
Effects of Air Pollution on Native Plants
and Crops of Wyoming 14
The Use of Sewage Sludges and Top Soil in
Reclaiming Coal Strip Mine Spoils 15
Reclamation of Surface-Mined Land Using
Container-Grown Seedlings 16
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EPA 526
DEVELOP RECLAMATION PLAN BEFORE
MINING OPERATION BEGINS
Objective: The objectives are to develop laboratory procedures to characterize
chemical properties and overburden materials; to determine the effects of
time on weathering, leaching, and other changes in mine spoils; to
characterize overburden material so as to provide guidance in sampling,
analyzing, and assessing spoil material; and to be able to recommend soil
amendments, plant species, and management practices best suited for
reclaiming and utilizing a mined area.
Results to Date: Several studies are in various stages of completion to meet
the above objectives.
User/Customer: Information from these studies is for both public and private
use.
Significance to Energy Policy; The information will be technically interpreted
for publication and can be used by legislators and others having responsi-
bility for energy and policy decision making.
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EPA 526
DETERMINE EFFECT OF STRIP-MINING AND RECLAMATION PROCESSES
ON THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF WATER LEAVING THE AREA
Objective: The objectives are to develop and validate mathematical models
capable of predicting the effect of strip-mining and reclamation practices
on quantity and quality of water leaving an area; to initiate and evaluate
amendment practices on restoring hydrologic cycle; and"on quantity and
quality of water leaving the reclaimed area.
Results to Date: 'Field studies have been initiated and data is being collected.
User/Customer; Information developed is for both public and private use.
Significance to Energy Policy; The information will be technically interpreted
for publication and can, where appropriate, be used in energy and policy
decision making.
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EPA 526
DETERMINE EFFECT OF STRIP-MINE RECLAMATION PRACTICES ON THE NUTRITIONAL
QUALITY OF FORAGES OR OTHER CROPS GROWN ON RECLAIMED AREA
Objective; Objectives are to identify important plant species that are
tolerant to the spoil and climatic conditions of the various mined areas;
determine nutritional quality of the most promising species; and to
determine the effect of spoils, amendments, and management practices
on the nutritional quality of selected species.
Results to Date; Important plant species are being identified and management
practices determined. Information on nutritional quality is being
determined.
User/Customer: Information from these studies is for both public and private
use.
Significance to Energy Policy; The information will be technically interpreted
for publication and can, where appropriate, be used in energy and policy
decision making.
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EPA 541 (01)
ASSESS QUALITY OF WATER IN STRIP-MINED AREAS AS IT RELATES TO HABITAT FOR
AQUATIC ORGANISMS AND WILDLIFE SPECIES ASSOCIATED WITH THESE WATER BODIES
Objective: (1) Establish water quality limits and guidelines for water
bodies in strip-mined areas in Northern Great Plains; (2) assess design
and management requirements for water impoundments in strip-mined areas
in Northern Great Plains; (3) assess effects of surface mining on stream
chemistry and flow in Eastern United States.
Results to Date: (to July 31, 1976): (Literature search continued, literature
accumulated and many literature systems reviewed. Key search words deter-
mined. Six computer-based information retrieval systems utilized; (2) All
study areas selected. Pond selection for lentic studies and stream selection
for lotic study nearly completed. Three study plans in final draft. Lentic
studies of water chemistry and physical characteristics, zooplankton, and
benthic invertebrates begun in all areas; (3) study program initiated.
User/Customer: Federal, state, and local conservation, reclamation, and
environmental control agencies and groups; mining and mineral extraction
industries; educational institutions.
Significance to Energy Policy; The research findings will assist regulatory
and environmental control agencies to establish rules and guidelines for
energy exploration and development. The findings could influence the
location of mining sites and will help determine mine exploration methods
and rehabilitation practices.
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EPA 541 (02)
ASSESS THE REDEPOSITIONING AND STABILIZING OF MINE SPOILS AND IDENTIFY
TECHNOLOGIES THAT WILL ENHANCE WATER QUALITY FOR ASSOCIATED AQUATIC LIFE
Objective; Determine or assess; (1) Mass stability of overburden materials;
(2) physical transformation of overburden materials; (3) erodibility of
overburden materials by wind and water; (4) design of mine waste dumps;
(5) evaluation of overburden placement,
Results to Date (to July 31, 1976) : (1) Completion of a Study Plan, "Develop-
ment of a Simulation Model for Evaluating Surface Mining Operations and
Reclamation Plans," selection of computer hardware to develop the simu-
lation system, and evaluation and adoption of software packages for use
in the model; (2) reorganization of work on overburden placement and
physical transformations of overburden materials to take advantage of data
collection efforts of other agencies and research organizations; (3)
study underway on the relative erodibility of overburden materials by
water; (4) preliminary study begun on the erodibility of overburden
materials by wind,
User/Customer; Mining operations and mineral extraction industries; custodians
of public lands; and conservation, rehabilitation, and environmental
control agencies.
Significance to Energy Policy; Findings will help determine the feasibility
and expected costs of proposed mining operations and where such operations
should or should not be located. Results will be used to influence mining
operations and rehabilitation methods whereby water quality is protected
and adverse ecological effects are minimized.
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EPA 541 (03)
ASSESS EFFECTS OF MINING-RELATED TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS IN WATER, AIR, SOIL,
PLANT, ANIMAL AND AESTHETIC RESOURCES
Objective; (1) Assess effects of mining-related transportation methods on
associated ecosystems; (2) identify and classify haul roads, railroads,
pipelines, and related environmental and land use factors; (3) develop
mathematical relationships between environmental factors and transportation
systems.
Results to Date (to July 31, 1976): (1) Collection of data on environmental
effects of mining-related road systems; (2) assembly of data to develop
factors of the road system, environment, and land use that affect water and
air quality; (3) initiation of a preliminary study of fugitive dust
from mine roads.
User/Customer; Mining operations and mineral extraction industries; trans-
port industries, local, state, and federal agencies responsible for land
use, conservation, reclamation, and environmental quality control.
Significance to Energy Policy: Results will be used to prepare guidelines and
establish regulations for transportation systems relative to mining opera-
tions. The ultimate goal is energy production with protection of air,
water, and other resources.
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EPA 541 (04)
DEVELOP OPERATIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS FOR
RECLAMATION OF LANDS AFFECTED BY MINING
Objective; Plan and develop an operational technical information system
for reclaiming and rehabilitating lands affected by mining. Establish
needs for technical information services and assure that no duplication
of the services occurs.
Results to Date (to July 31, 1976): (1) Completed preliminary negotiations
with two potential contractors for operation of SEAM INFO: (2) selected
University of Arizona at Tucson as contractor; (3) cooperative agreement
negotiated.
User/Customer; Any individual, group, public or private agency, institution,
company or business seeking information on documents related to surface
mining and reclamation of surface mined lands.
Significance to Energy Policy; Results may be used to assess potentials for
energy development, environmental problems, and rehabilitation methods.
Knowledge obtained may be used to establish guidelines and regulations.
Performing Organization; University of Arizona, Tucson
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10
EPA 541
HYDROLOGIC MANAGEMENT IN STRIP MINING
Objective; (1) Determine hydrologic changes from strip mining including
groundwater movement, surface water movement, evapotranspiration and
effects on agriculture and the environment; (2) define post-mining
practices under various systems of mining to optimize hydrologic
conditions; (3) define surface treatments for reduction of erosion and
optimum infiltration; (4) use a hydrologic parametric model which would
integrate unsaturated flow, saturated flow, surface flow, water quality
and erosion.
Approach: (1) Project will produce a deterministic mathematical model
of the hydrologic cycle in coal-mined lands and will gather data to
test it; (2) submodels are being developed for water quality, erosion
and data will be gathered to verify the submodels in order to predict
pollution hazards for several mining management and reclamation techniques.
Models will concern (a) water balance in the root zone, and (b) the
saturated groundwater zone, as appropriate.
Results to Date: Classical soil drainage theory has been applied to a hill-
side area of strip-mined land. Using the Dupuit-Forchheimer theory as
a first approximation the hydraulic conductivity of the spoil would have
to be 91-3 cm per day to prevent seepage. Actual measurement showed con-
ductivity of 40 cm per day indicating need for tile drainage. New methods
for in-situ conductivity measurement of shale beds are being devised in
ultra large size double ring method.
Ground water movement from spoils into wells indicates time for flow of
polluted water from a line source into a well.
Green-Ampt diffusion equation has been applied to infiltration of rainwater
into topsoils under field conditions.
These studies are preliminary to the creation of hydrologic models. Second
year work will test models and third year will validate their use in pre-
diction of flows and problem solutions.
User/Customer; Designers of spoil banks in hilly terrain, mining companies,
regulatory organizations, applied soil and geology physicists, soil
conservationists,
Significance to Energy Policy: The ability to predict hydrologic and pollutant
flows in minespoils will provide a scientific basis for spoil bank design
and control measures needed to return mined land to full agricultural
production.
Regulatory and planning authorities need such capabilities in order to
authorize and undertake fullest possible use of coal resources.
Performing Organization; Experiment Station, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
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11
EPA 541
EFFECTS OF SPECIES ROOT DISTRIBUTION ON SOIL BIOTA-GENESIS-
HYDROLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Objective: (1) To characterize soils of eighteen reclamation sites as to
soil genesis on Fort Union geologic materials, soil classification, and
long-term crop and range potentials; (2) to determine rhizoplane, rhizo-
sphere and total soil microbial activity in relation to plant roots;
(3) to determine rooting depths and growth by use of radioisotope P32
tracer; (4) to relate unsaturated moisture flow with root growth; (5)
to formulate recommendations for optimizing soil development on spoils.
Approach: (1) Sampling of sites representing Fort Union spoils for soil
parameters, cover, successional stage, age, reclamation procedure and
the climatic and topographic conditions. Adjacent benchmark soils will
be sampled for comparison; (2) Profile pits will permit recording of soil
morphology roots and pores. Soils will be classified according to U.S.
Taxonomy. Tests will be applied in the field and lab to characterize each
horizon and profile; (3) Multilinear regression will relate vegetation,
root distribution and soil properties; (4) Roots growing in each site
will be measured by radioactive P32 tracer injection. Soil profile hydrology
will be traced using an access tube for neutron probe sealer to measure
water status to 9-foot depth. Assays of microbial activity will be made
on rhizoplane, rhizo-sphere, and root-free soil by measurement of ATP
using activated charcoal sorption and elution.
Results to Date; Sites have been selected on spoils ranging from 1 to 52
years of age in the Colstrip area. Soil pits have been dug in fenced
enclosures at each site. The P32 studies and neutron probe measurements
are being installed and a graduate student is licensed for the work.
Measurements will proceed through the entire growing season and winter
1976 and 1977.
Soil genesis findings will be summarized. Water, rooting and growth will
be monitored and microbial development will be reported. Need for a new
spoil classification system will be considered. Recommendations for
optimization of soil development and appropriate land use will be formulated.
User/Customer; Soil scientists, Soil Conservation Service, reclamation
planners, National Cooperative Soil Survey, regulatory agencies.
Significance to Energy Policy; The restoration of normal soil conditions in
minespoils requires knowledge of the influence of geologic and
environmental factors on soil genesis. The discovery of how long it takes
to achieve a satisfactory biotic condition in the soil will provide basic
information to judge the reclaimability of Fort Union spoils. Knowledge
of a rational method of classifying the soils will enable accurate pre-
scriptions for reclamation and remove uncertainties about mining impacts.
Planners and regulators will be able to function with perception.
Performing Organization; Montana Agricultural Experiment Station, Montana
State University, Bozeman, Montana
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12
EPA 541
ESTABLISHMENT AND SEED DEVELOPMENT OF
SPECIES GROWN IN RECLAIMED AREAS
Objective: (1) Evaluate seed of range species promising for revegetation;
(2) develop treatments to overcome seed dormancy; (3) measure purity
and germination of selected seed lots; (4) evaluate establishment and
survival from seed in extreme environments; (5) measure relative seed
production and quality on reclaimed areas vs unreclaimed areas and
natural range areas.
Approach: (1) Literature review will determine species of special interest
for use in the Western coal region. Seed supplies will be acquired; (2)
Evaluate speed of germination and dormancy. Determine relationship between
germination index and field emergence. Develop seed testing procedures
where needed; (3) Develop seed treatments to overcome dormancy (scarification,
presoaking, chilling, alternate wetting and drying, hormones and other
chemicals)? (4) Collect on-site seed for selected native species on spoils
and on adjacent undisturbed land. Criteria will include distributions
and availabilities of male and female plants where applicable; (5) Evaluate
seed collections for viability using tetrazolium test, for seed fill, for
dormancy and for seed production capabilities.
Results to Date: Literature and review and current reclamation practices have
yielded 21 adapted species of particular interest in Montana coal mine
reclamation use. These include 5 wheatgrasses, needlegrass, bromegrass,
fescue, ricegrass, sandreed, gramas, bluestems, switchgrass, buffalograss,
sweetvetch, prairie cloves, saltbushes, and sumac.
Lab germinations have been made to identify problems and to establish
methodology. Responses have been measured at 4 temperatures which have
permitted classification of species in regard to temperature response.
A thermal gradient method is being used to facilitate evaluations of
germination regimes. Genetic selection is being initiated on blue grama
for coleoptile length.
Future work will emphasize seed collections and their evaluation.
User/Customer: Coal mine owners, state government energy planners, wildlife
managers, federal agencies holding coal lands, ranchers, reclamation
managers.
Significance to Energy Policy; The thorough evaluation of germination quality
of well-adapted western rangeland species of grasses, legumes and shrubs
will, for the first time, permit the reclamation use of each species in its
most appropriate situations and will refine the possibilities of employment
of reclamation mixtures. Knowledge of seed viability and germination dyna-
mics is essential to plan for the revegetation of disturbed lands and to
modify the environments in suitable ways to favor plant establishment. Know-
ledge of seed production factors will make it possible to lower cost of seed,
to design seed collection areas and to treat the seed as may be necessary
before use.
Performing Organization: Plant and Soil Science Department, Montana State
University, Bozeman, Montana
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13
EPA 541
RESOURCE INVENTORY, MONITORING, AND ANALYSIS SYSTEM (RIMAS)
Objective: (1) Expand existing inventory system by adding coal-related
natural resource, socioeconomic and pollution information; (2) adapt
a General Environment Model (GEM); (3) simulate impacts of coal develop-
ment by geographic areas; (4) publish impact reports, maps, and data
for community leaders and officials.
Approach: (1) Models of the published General Environmental Model (GEM)
will be tested and modified. The model will be tested against reality
and evaluation of performance to determine new data needs; (2) Accuracy
of relationships predicted in the Northern Great Plains will be evaluated;
(3) Environmental and economic consequences, predicted by GEM, which
occurred during the past 5-10 years will be compared with actual data;
(4) Center of initial study is Mercer County, North Dakota, including
the Bismark-Mandan metropolitan area; (5) A composite mapping program
will be adapted to the area and to the data base which includes soils,
biologic data and socioeconomic data.
Results to Date; Current work is on data collection and model development.
Plans include: workshops on use of the system by state and local officials;
research on composition, productivity and condition of vegetation eco-
systems in the development area; design and programming of new modules;
and detailed data set and testing of GEM. A rangeland inventory and annotated
bibliography on soils and vegetation in the project area has been prepared.
User/Customer: State and local officials, Bureau of Land Management Basin
Electric Cooperative, ranchers and farmers, regulatory agencies, electric
power companies.
Significance to Energy Policy; RIMAS will provide site specific information
and maps useable to determine baseline conditions and expected impacts of
energy development, power line corridors, and area pollution hazards. The
ability to project information by counties or other fine-textured mapping
areas will make the findings especially useful to small local units of
government, private land managers and governmental entities concerned with
energy projects.
Performing Organization: Department of Agricultural Economics, North Dakota
State University, Fargo, North Dakota
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14
EPA 541
EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION ON NATIVE
PLANTS AND CROPS OF WYOMING
Objective; (1) To determine acute injury symptoms of SO and other pollutants
on crops and native plants; (2) to appraise factors which influence the
amount of damage to plants by gaseous pollutants, i.e., temperature,
relative humidity, presence of moisture, etc.; (3) to select indicator
plants that show susceptibility to injury as visual indicators of pol-
lution damage.
Approach: (1) Fumigation of many plant species will be made in both
closed and open top chambers for various periods at measured rates of
SO or other pollutants: (a) Readings on symptoms of injury will be made
to determine dose-response-time and recovery-time,- (b) Photographic records
will be made of the vegetation and damage incurred; (2) Records will be
maintained on concentrations of pollutants, time of exposure, species,
growth stage, environmental conditions and plant responses; (3) Fumigation
experiments on native and crop species will determine best indicator
plants.
Results to Date; Experiment treatments were made on 1119 plants at various
locations. There were 161 native range and crop species and 25 garden
plants and varieties. Preliminary observations indicate that native
species show some degree of direct correlation between plant damage and
relative humidity. In general, degree of injury of plants at a given level
of concentration of S00 was less than has been reported from more humid
regions. The concentrations of SO2 causing acute injury are well above
the levels permitted by either federal or Wyoming standards.
User/Customer; Data will assist planners for design and construction of three
proposed nine-mouth gasification and power plants in Wyoming. Information
will be used by state government and citizens seeking to determine needed
control measures and to calculate the true costs of energy development
from large coal seams in the state. The decision on opening federal coal
lands for development will be assisted.
Data will be of some use to nearby Western States with similar planning
needs (Montana, Colorado, Utah).
Significance to Energy Policy; The information on plant species and crops will
help to choose tolerant plants for use in immediate down-wind areas. The
severity of pollution from large-scale development of low-sulfur coal
deposits is not known at present.
*
Decisions to develop the energy plants could be determined by the environ-
mental impact. With minimal injury the cost of pollutant removal measures
would be low. If expected injury is severe the costs would rise and the
competitive position of Wyoming energy could be affected.
Indicator species would be useful after the plants are operating to
monitor possible injurious episodes of pollution.
Performing Organization: Division of Plant Sciences, Agricultural Experiment
Station, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming.
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15
EPA 526
THE USE OF SEWAGE SLUDGES AND TOP SOIL IN
RECLAIMING COAL STRIP MINE SPOILS
Objective; (1) Determine optimum rates of application on acidic mine spoils
in greenhouse and field; (2) measure impact of sewage on heavy metal con-
tents of vegetation and leachate waters; (3) determine optimum depths of
topsoiling for revegetation under new regulations.
Approach: (1) Greenhouse experiments on acidic spoil materials were used
to evaluate four municipal sewage sludges from Newark, Cleveland, Canton,
and Bellaire, Ohio. Tall fescue responded well to Newark sludge and
Bellaire sludge but failed to grow on Cleveland and Canton sludge treat-
ments which contain heavy contamination of heavy metals, esp. Ni, Cu, Zn,
Cd, Mn; (2) Studies in concrete tanks filled with acidic spoil are now
under way with sludges applied in top 6 inches and seeded to tall fescue.
Soil leachate is" collected from each tank for analysis; (3) topsoiling
trials on newly mined lands represent sandstone (acidic spoil) and lime-
stone (neutral to alkaline spoil). Field plots were set out with 0, 6,
12, and 18 inches of topsoil overlay. Treated plots will be seeded next
spring.
Results to Date: Greenhouse work indicates severe pollution and unsuitability
of sludges from certain cities.
Lysimeter and field plot research are still in early stage of installation
and preparation.
Next two years will involve data collection, sampling, analyses and inter-
pretation of findings.
User/Customer: Municipal sewage authorities,state environmental authorities,
reclamation planners, mine developers.
Significance to Energy Policy; The useable sludges can be extremely useful in
quick reclamation of mined land for pasture use. Unuseable sludges may
require measures to eliminate toxic heavy metals at the source. These
findings will impinge on sewage policies, mine reclamation policies and
environmental protection policies. The determination of water leachate
quality is of significance to stream protection and wildlife management
policies for Eastern Ohio and adjacent States.
Performing Organization: Department of Agronomy, Ohio Agricultural Research
and Development Center, Wooster, Ohio
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16
EPA 526
RECLAMATION OF SURFACE-MINED LAND
USING CONTAINER GROWN SEEDLINGS
Objective; (1) Develop a container system for raising superior planting stock
in one year in the greenhouse; (2) develop systems for revegetation which
furnish both short and long term protection to the site; (3) develop systems
usable in revegetating toxic spoils.
Approach: (1) A greenhouse and appurtenant facilities will be built and
containers will be designed. Trials will be conducted on container pro-
duction of planting stock; (2) Exploratory studies will be made on systems
of growing and planting out the trees; (3) Field sites will be selected
and prepared for future plantations on various minesoils.
Results to Date; Greenhouse is finished and is in production. Japanese paper
pots and Spencer-Lemaire containers performed best. Problems with environ-
mental control are being overcome. 31,000 trees were produced.
Seed coverings, selection of treatments for each species, reduction of soil
weight, and development of improved growing system are being completed in
first year. Changes in technology are being made.
Future work will incorporate first season's findings and field plantings
will continue under improved systems.
User/Customer: System may be used by state and federal forest nursery pro-
grams, information will be used by mine reclamation manager, land-use
planners and forest owners. Technique may be of special use on old acidic
minespoils.
Significance to Energy Policy: Effective revegetation of spoils in forested
regions will enable retroactive reclamation of unsightly mined areas and
can restore natural vegetation types. This will tend to remove public
resistance to the correct use of energy resources.
Performing Organization: School of Forest Resources, The Pennsylvania State
University, University Park, PA
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17
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Fate and Effects of Petroleum Hydrocarbons and
Selected Toxic Metals in Selected Marine
Ecosystems and Organisms 19
Environmental Assessment of Northern Puget
Sound and the Strait of Juan De Fuca 20
Environmental Assessment of an Active Oil
Field in the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico 22
Data Management Services and Archival Services
for Interagency Energy-Related Marine
Programs 24
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19
FATE AND EFFECTS OF PETROLEUM HYDROCARBONS AND SELECTED TOXIC METALS
IN SELECTED MARINE ECOSYSTEMS AND ORGANISMS
Objective; (1) Establish and operate a NOAA National Analytical Facility
(NNAF) for purposes of standardizing analytical techniques for hydro-
carbons and metals in environmental samples, providing intercalibration
services and conducting routine analyses on contract basis. (2) Identify
information gaps in our current understanding of petroleum impacts on
subarctic marine systems and design a program of laboratory and field
experiments to fill these gaps. (3) Conduct specific laboratory experi-
ments on fate and effects of metals and hydrocarbons, with emphasis on
interactive processes and mechanisms.
Results to Date; (1) Equipment has been purchased and routine analyses of
petroleum hydrocarbons and metals are underway at the NNAF in the NMFS
Northwest and Alaskan Fisheries Center, Seattle, WA; (2) A major symposium/
workshop was held November 10-12, 1976, in Seattle to identify status of
current information and research requirements. An experimental design
feasibility study is underway to identify problem areas best addressed
through the use of perturbation experiments under field conditions; (3)
Laboratory experiments are underway to examine the interactions between
PCBs and petroleum hydrocarbons in juvenile salmon and to determine the
effects of petroleum on trace metal distributions between sediments and
seawater.
User/Customer; The data to be gathered will be used in the preparation and
evaluation of Environmental Impact Analyses related to the introduction
of Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Toxic Metals into the marine environment,
and in the development of regulatory measures designed to prevent adverse
effects of such contaminants. As such, primary agencies will be the
National Marine Fisheries Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the
Environmental Protection Agency-
Significance to Energy Policy: The project is specifically designed to
improve environmental impact analysis and regulation of energy develop-
ment, transport, and conversion, with major emphasis on petroleum.
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ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF NORTHERN PUGET SOUND AND
THE STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA
Objective: The project will quantify the principal regional characteristics
which must be known to assess the environmental effects of increased
tanker traffic, petroleum transfer operations and refinery capacity
within northern Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Four major
objectives are to: (1) characterize the major marine biological
populations subject to impact by oil pollution; (2) determine the existing
distribution and concentration of oil pollutants with the ecosystem;
(3) characterize the principal processes and major pathways by which
petroleum moves through the marine ecosystem; (4) provide decision makers
with environmental ane ecological information and predictions of the
effects of oil-related activities upon the ecosystem.
Results to Date: A series of field measurements have been undertaken during
the first year. Data has been collected on selected biological populations
in the Strait of Juan de Fuca - intertidal and shallow subtidal inverte-
brates, nearshore fishes, and plankton (ichthyoplankton and zooplankton
primarily). These data are being merged with existing data for northern
Puget Sound to form a common base. The hydrocarbon baseline investigation
has been designed, limited data collected, and routine quarterly sampling
of intertidal sediments and mussels has been initiated. Current meter
arrays have been deployed for 2-3 months duration during each of two seasons,
together with shoreside and over-the-water wind recorders. One field sur-
vey of suspended sediment concentrations in the eastern strait-northern
sound has been completed and samples returned to the laboratory for
determination of oil-sorptive characteristics. Proposals are under final
review regarding the capability of the existing microbial populations to
degrade Prudhoe Bay crude oil, additional intertidal surveys, and prepara-
tion of a report summarizing existing knowledge on the major potential
pollutant pathways with the regional food webs.
An appropriate structure for the oil trajectory model has been identified
and development and/or adaptation of various submodels is underway. Three
possible models for regional wind fields have been identified and their
output is being compared with field data.
A strategy has been formulated for bringing together information on Puget
Sound and making it available to decision- makers and others in useful for-
mats. Special reports have been prepared on the petroleum industry in
Pudget Sound and on the application of models to resource management
questions.
User/Customer; The principal users are planners and decision makers at all
levels of government concerned with the changing nature of the petroleum
industry in Puget Sound.
Additional users include the petroleum industry and coastal zone managers
in general. The data on present hydrocarbon concentrations and biological
communities will provide a base against which future changes can be measured.
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Significance to Energy Policy: The Puget Sound region is faced with major
changes in the operations of the petroleum industry. These include:
(1) a change in crude oil supply from overland pipeline to tanker; (2)
a possible expansion of the traditional marketing area and quantities
handled to include transshipment of crude oil to the midwest or refined
products to California; (3) construction of a common-use terminal at Port
Angeles or Burrows Bay to handle supertankers in lieu of expansion at
the existing refineries; (4) modifications and/or expansion of the contin-
gency plan to accommodate the changing situation.
Decisions on these and other questions require detailed knowledge of
the marine ecosystem - knowledge which is largely lacking at present.
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Task 78BED-NOAA/NMFS/SEFC
Galveston Laboratory
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF AN ACTIVE OIL FIELD
IN THE NORTHWESTERN GULF OF MEXICO
Objective; To assess the impact of energy production on the environment and
organisms within an existing oil field in comparison to an unaltered area.
Means of accomplishing this objective will be to: (1) describe the existing
ecosystems and area distribution of their major components; (2) compare
the concentrations of pollutants in the sediments, water, and biota of
the oil field with those in an unaltered area; (3) identify changes that
have occurred.
Results to Date; Surveys and analysis of samples are now being conducted to
provide new data to supplement historical data of the area as necessary
to fully describe and quantify the biological, chemical, and physical
characteristics and the temporal variations of these characteristics in
the environment of the oil field and control area. To achieve the program
objectives, the following results of specific areas of research and study
will be integrated: for conduct by NMFS, (1) distribution and abundance
of demersal finfishes and macrocrustaceans, (2) determination and compari-
son of species and size composition of pelagic and reef fish stocks on a
seasonal basis and the determination of total recreational fishing effort
catch/effort, and value of the fishing around the structures, (3) the
determination of seasonal abundance, distribution, and composition of
ichthyoplankton, and (4) a description of the seasonal current, temperature,
and salinity regimes within and outside the oilfield. For conduct by aca-
demic institutions under contract from NMFS: (a) Rice Institute - sedimen-
tology and trace metal concentrations (geological and biological) of the
bottom and suspended sediments, (b) Texas A&M University - benthos, (c)
University of Houston - physical effects of the platform structures, use of
the structures by birds, and determination of hydrocarbon levels (geologic
and biologic) , and (d) University of Texas - total organics (C-^Vc^2 ratio)
in the sediments.
User/Customer: The development of Environmental Impact Statements is a legal
requirement in major areas of marine activities. Baseline information
developed by this study will be helpful in the preparation of necessary
EIS's. State, federal and industry managers need to know in advance what
the effect of activities may be in order to include safeguard factors in
their planning as well as adequate funding schedules for costs. Future
similar studies concerning the establishment (with emphasis on the initial
production and drilling phases) of a field would also be valuable sources
of information, if such studies could be arranged.
Significance to Energy Policy; To date, the Gulf of Mexico waters of the
Texas coast have not been fully developed. With the emphasis currently
being put upon energy production to meet present and anticipated national
needs for fossil energy, the Texas coastal area will be the scene of
expanded energy production activities. This study will provide a valuable
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data base for future decisions concerning energy production in the area.
Because of the environmental similarities along the Texas coast, the results
of this study may be directly applied to the other nearby areas. In the
past, the production of fossil energy from Texas coastal waters has been
conducted without the benefit of an indepth study of the environmental
impact of these activities. The results of this study will help to clarify
unanswered questions and may be helpful in dictating the practice or
development of preventative procedures to minimize impacts and/or impact
effects.
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DATA MANAGEMENT SERVICES AND ARCHIVAL SERVICES
FOR INTERAGENCY ENERGY-RELATED MARINE PROGRAMS
Objectives: Design, establish, and operate an environmental data base management
system for interagency energy related marine programs based on an analysis
of data acquisition programs of relevant agencies; (2) publish data manage-
ment plan proposing procedures for data acquisition, storage, retrieval,
presentation and quality control.
Results to Date; (July 31, 1976): (1) Contracts have been established with the
project managers in the affected agencies: ERDA, Department of Interior/-
Fish and Wildlife Service, EPA and NOAA; (2) Work is progressing on a
generic data management plan for marine-related research and development
program; (3) A contract has been let for the establishment of a nation-
wide marine taxonomic coding system (based on the Virginia Institute of
Marine Science (VIMS) code). The National Oceanographic Data Center
(NODC) will assume operation and maintenance of the resultant code; (4)
An automated data tracking and inventory system has been established and
will be used to account for project-generated data.
User/Customer: Any individual, public and private groups interested in
energy-related items can query the data system (once data have been input.)
Significance to Energy Policy: The multidisciplinary data management system
developed by the Environmental Data Service (EDS) will contain data from
not only the EPA Energy-related Research and Development Program but also
related programs such as BLM's OCS Environmental Studies Program. As
such, the data base will have wide application, not only scientific and
technical users, but also in the development of general marine environ-
mental aspects of policy.
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
Public Health Service
}
National Institutes of Health
Physiological Mechanism of Transport,
Accumulation and Excretion of Metals in
Marine Organisms and Mammals 27
Accumulation, Distribution, Metabolism, and
Excretion of Individual Aliphatic and Aromatic
Hydrocarbon Isomers Present in Crude Oil in
Warm and Cold Water Marine Species 28
Carcinogenic Effects of Petroleum Hydrocarbons
on Selected Marine and/or Estuarine Organisms .... 29
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EPA 77 BCV
D5-E772-CV
PHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISM OF TRANSPORT, ACCUMULATION AND EXCRETION OF METALS
IN MARINE ORGANISMS AND MAMMALS (ERR 8.1)
(1) Intake of Metals by Marine Organisms
(2) Compare Pharmacokinetics and Toxicity in Mammals of Metals
Consumed in Diet Through Shellfish vs. Drinking of HO
Objective: (1) To determine the physiological, biochemical, and ultra-
structural effects of arsenic, cadmium and copper on tissues of marine
shellfish and to compare these effects with those previously observed
in mammals; (2) To determine the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of these
metals in mammals fed metal-containing tissues from shellfish as com-
pared with the same parameters in mammals receiving the metals in
drinking water.
Results to Date: A suitable seawater system has been developed for dosing
of oysters with cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu). After 4 weeks exposure,
tissue concentrations of Cd (410 ppm) and Cu (360 ppm) were found in
freeze-dried meats of these animals indicating a much faster and greater
capacity for cellular accumulation of these elements than is known to
exist in mammals. Glucose metabolism and oxygen consumption are being
studied in these oysters as part of an evaluation of cellular response
to chronic low level trace metal exposure.
User/Customer; Regulatory agencies concerned with water pollution (e.g.,
EPA) or contamination of marine animals used for food (e.g., FDA).
Marine scientists concerned with the toxic effects of heavy metals
in marine species.
Significance to Energy Policy; Supporting data for regulating offshore oil
drilling or limiting levels of heavy metals in effluents from energy
producing or utilizing plants.
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EPA 77 BCV
D5-E772-CV
ACCUMULATION, DISTRIBUTION, METABOLISM, AND EXCRETION OF INDIVIDUAL
ALIPHATIC AND AROMATIC HYDROCARBON ISOMERS PRESENT IN CRUDE OIL IN
WARM AND COLD WATER MARINE SPECIES (ERR 8.2)
(3) Synergistic Action of Temperature with Other Pollutants on
Marine Species (Vertebrate and Invertebrate)
Objective: To determine the biological fate of different hydrocarbon frac-
tions in marine species. Aliphatic, alicyclic and aromatic hydrocarbons
are investigated. The importance of environmental (ocean) temperature
on biotransformation will be assessed> and the effects of pre-exposure
of marine animals to chemical pollutants associated with petroleum on
the metabolic fate of hydrocarbons will be monitored.
Results to Date: Both cytochrome P-450-dependent microsomal mixed-function
oxidases (MFOs) and epoxide or arene oxide metabolizing enzymes (epoxide
hydrase and glutathione S_-transferases) are being characterized in control
fish and in fish pre-exposed to environmental contaminants such as poly-
cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or dioxins. For the MFO systems, the cyto-
chrome P-450 and the enzyme, NADPH-cytochrome c_ reductase, have been
solubilized and the properties of the system are being compared with that
in mammalian liver.
User/Customer: Regulatory agencies concerned with water pollution (e.g., --••
EPA) or contamination of marine animals used for food (e.g., FDA).
Marine scientists studying chemical disposition in marine species.
Significance to Energy Policy: Supporting data for regulating offshore
drilling or monitoring levels of organic chemical pollution in marine
waters and in marine organisms.
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EPA 77 BCV
D5-E772-CV
CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS OF PETROLEUM HYDROCARBONS ON SELECTED MARINE AND/OR
ESTUARINE ORGANISMS (ERR 8.3)
(4) Relationship Between Toxic Fractions of Crude Oil and Petroleum
Products and Tumor Formation in Marine Species
Objective; To study cancer induction in one or more marine species by chronic
exposure to low levels of a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and/or
one of its chemically reactive metabolites, such as-an epoxide. PAH are
known to cause cancer in mammals, including man, but very little is known
about the chronic effects of PAH in any marine species. Assessed will be
tumor histopathology and the activities of hepatic enzymes which metabolize
the hydrocarbon in both control and exposed fish.
Results to Date; This project is being done by research contract. The contract
will be awarded in October-November, 1976.
User/Customer; Regulatory agencies concerned with water pollution (e.g., EPA)
or contamination of marine animals used for food (e.g., FDA). Scientists
concerned with induction of cancer in nonmammalian organisms.
Significance to Energy Policy; Supporting data for regulating offshore
drilling or monitoring levels of hydrocarbon pollution in marine waters
or organisms resulting from runoffs or oil spills.
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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
Status Report on Long Pines Project
(Montana) 33
Critical Appraisal of Research Needs with
Respect to the Effects on Water and Associated
Ecosystems of Energy Development in the Upper
Missouri River Basin 35
An RFF Forum on the Impact on Western Waters, Fish,
and Wildlife of Energy Development in the Upper
Colorado River Basin 36
Survey to Determine Water Quantity Needs of Fish
and Wildlife in Western States Affected by
Energy Development 37
Alaska Gravel Study - Status Report
(October 19, 1976) 38
Ecological and Physiological Effects of Oil
on Birds 39
Ecological Characterization of the Coastal
Chenier Plain Area of Southwest Louisiana
and Southeast Texas 40
Habitat Requirements of Endangered Fishes 41
The Fish and Wildlife Impact of Energy Development
in the Four Corners Region 42
Identification of the Ecological Implications of
Development of Geothermal Energy from the Gulf
Coast Geopressured Zone 43
Development of Techniques for Predicting Probable
Effects of Commercial-Scale Geothermal
Development on Fish and Wildlife Resources in
the Western U.S •. 44
Identification, Description, and Evaluation of
Strategies for Reserving Flow for Fish
and Wildlife 45
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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
Methodology Development and Application for
Determining Instream Flow Needs . 46
Establishment of Value for Fish and Wildlife of
Existing Waters in Energy Development Areas 47
Ecological Methods for Assessing Impacts to
Wildlife Habitat in Areas Affected by Coal
Development 48
Adaptational Development and Prototype Implementation
of an Operationally Oriented, Computerized, Map-
Based Data Storage and Analysis System for Fish
and Wildlife Resource Management Use 49
Existing Test Area Imagery 50
Acquisition of Test Area Imagery 51
Survey of Vegetation, Wildlife Habitat, and Land
Use Classification Systems used by State and
Federal Agencies in the Western United States 52
Landsat Digital Data Classification 54
Evaluation of CIR Imagery Analysis Techniques 45
Application and Extension of Line Transect Methods
in Biological Monitoring and Impact Assessment 56
Develop a Users Handbook and Computer Program to
Implement Reliable, Comprehensive Statistical
Analysis of Capture-Recapture and Removal Data
from Closed Populations 57
A Simulation Approach to the Analysis of Strip-
Mining Impact on the Ecosystem with Emphasis
on Wildlife 58
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EPA/FWS 78 BFK
STATUS REPORT ON LONG PINES
PROJECT (MONTANA)
Objective; The project was conceived to investigate impacts associated with
solution mining of uranium. The potential for impacts associated with the
push for energy development, not only in coal and oil shale, but also oil,
gas and uranium, have far reaching effects on the fish and wildlife re-
sources of the country. We believe that limited research on selected
mining techniques is warranted.
Project objectives are: (1) To identify conflicts between solution mining
techniques and wildlife populations and to develop guidelines or methods
for eliminating, reducing or compensating these conflicts; (2) Conduct
studies which would furnish baseline data needed to monitor the effects of
solution mining; (3) To utilize the^Long Pines area as a model demonstration
site for researching the compatability of wildlife, vegetation and solution
mining; (4) To identify revegetation techniques that may be specific for
solution mined areas; (5) To monitor the secondary impacts from solution
mining on wildlife populations; (6) A review of Montana's environmental
protection statutes will be accomplished.
Results to Date; The project has just started. The contract was signed and de-
livered to the State of Montana in mid-September. Montana has assigned two
people to the project and they are in the process of getting necessary
agreements with Custer National Forest, state agencies, and the others that
will be involved in the research project. A Memorandum of Understanding will
be signed with the Custer National Forest. We intend to coordinate very
closely with the Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, South Dakota University,
because they also are conducting studies in western South Dakota. Quarterly
project reports will be submitted.
User/Customer; We anticipate this research would be useful to state and federal
agencies involved in mineral activities.
The handbook or guidelines will delineate wildlife impacts associated with
solution mining. Guidelines will be useful to administrators and mining com-
panies alike. We would hope that the Geological Survey and the BLM would use
the guidelines and incorporate them into lease stipulations which would be
included in mining plans. A review of Montana's environmental laws may show
whether the laws are sufficient to protect the resources: do these laws really
perform the service they were intended for, and can they be enforced? If not,
then a modification or amendments to these regulations and laws should be
proposed by Montana for submission to the legislature. We feel that other
state agencies may be interested in the environmental laws that Montana is
presently working with.
Significance to Energy Policy; The department mineral leasing procedures are
initiated by BLM and final supervision rests with Geological Survey. By
furnishing these two agencies information on environmental impacts associated
with mining techniques, they may incorporate our recommendations into lease
contracts. If we find this technique less damaging to wildlife resources, we
would hope the department would recommend them as a viable alternative to
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surface mining. In the event the technique is more damaging to the re-
sources, then we would oppose using it where it would be detrimental to
wildlife resources. The Bureau of Mines has a study on solution mining
techniques as they relate to the recovery of metals or metal compounds,
hydrology, and economics. Their contract is with Toups Corp., and it is
directed towards a study site in Wyoming. We will contact and coordinate
with the Bureau of Mines.
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EPA/FWS 77 BBP 35
CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF RESEARCH NEEDS WITH RESPECT TO THE EFFECTS ON WATER AND
ASSOCIATED ECOSYSTEMS OF ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN THE UPPER MISSOURI RIVER BASIN
Objectives: Identification and evaluation of the research needs of fish and
wildlife in the Upper Missouri River Basin as a result of proposed energy
developments.
Results to Date; Final report published by the University of Colorado, "Fish
and Wildlife Implications of Upper Missouri Basin Water Allocation."
User/Customer; Because of the wide impact of water allocation decisions, a
broad spectrum of federal, state, and local agencies can utilize the findings.
Specifically identified are the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state fish
and game agencies, state and local planning agencies, The Missouri River Basin
Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, U. S. Forest Service, Federal
Energy Administration, and the Office of Water Research and Technology.
Significance to Energy Policy; Existing decisionmaking institutions frequently
fail to give adequate weight and protection to fish and wildlife values.
This has often resulted in delay and/or cancellation of proposed water
development projects. Two complementary means of improving this situation
are (1) modification of water allocation and decisionmaking institutions,
and (2) provision of more information on potential impacts. Research op-
portunities have been identified which can help to improve the current
situation in both cases.
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EPA/FWS 77 BBO
AN RFF FORUM ON THE IMPACT ON WESTERN WATERS, FISH, AND WILDLIFE OF ENERGY-
DEVELOPMENT IN THE UPPER COLORADO RIVER BASIN
Objective: Identification of important potential fish and wildlife problems
and delineation of research needs resulting from the impact of energy
development on the quantity and quality of water in the Upper Colorado
River Basin.
Results to Date; Resources for the Future, Inc., convened a forum during
October 1976 to discuss possible energy development scenarios and potential
fish and wildlife effects. Research needs were also identified. Papers pre-
sented and formal discussions will be compiled into a final report in
January 1977.
User/Customer: The primary audience is the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service,'
state fish and game agencies in the affected states, environmental
specialists in federal water development and energy agencies, and water
resources planners in general.
Significance to Energy Policy; By identifying potential impacts and needed
research prior to the actual need during the planning process, necessary
information for decision making can be obtained in a timely manner.
Alternatives can also be identified and the misallocation of resources
to energy development plans which are environmentally infeasible can be
avoided.
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EPA/FWS 77 BBQ
EPA/FWS 78 BBQ
SURVEY TO DETERMINE WATER QUANTITY NEEDS OF FISH AND WILDLIFE IN WESTERN
STATES AFFECTED BY ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
Objective; The project will establish stream flow requirements for main-
taining viability of existing fish and wildlife species in streams
identified by the states as critical habitat areas.
Results to Date; This project is a second stage in a larger effort. In
the first stage, the states (under contract with the Fish and Wild-
life Service) are evaluating stream habitats as: Critical Fishery
Value; High Priority Fishery Value; Substantial Fishery Value; and
Limited Fishery Value. The second stage will establish streamflow
requirements necessary to maintain the viability of at least the
critical streams and possibly streams with lower designations. This
second stage will begin approximately January 1977, as the states
complete Stage 1.
User/Customer; Because this project will establish streamflow requirements
for fish and wildlife purposes on a priority basis, it will have a
number of users. These include: (1) the Fish and Wildlife Service
and state counterparts for information on flow requirements and priority
areas in advance of specific development plans; (2) water resources
planners for information on where development could occur with minimal
vegetative impacts to fish and wildlife resources; (3) water users and
water developers for information on areas where development would be
most acceptable from an environmental standpoint; (4) water resources
decision makers for information on that point below which additional
water allocation should be based on conservation measures and alternative
sources.
Significance to Energy Policy: The project specifies in advance of development
the areas in which environmental damage is potentially most severe and
the waterflow level below which extensive damage will occur. It will
facilitate energy decision making by informing developers of those areas
in which water withdrawals will be most acceptable environmentally, and
the extent to which it can be made available on an ecologically sound
basis.
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EPA/FWS 78 BFL
ALASKA GRAVEL STUDY - STATUS REPORT
(October 19, 1976)
Objective: To provide an information base that will assist,resource managers
to formulate recommendations concerning operations that will minimize
detrimental effects of gravel removal from arctic and subarctic streams.
Results to Date: A four-year contract for the project has been awarded,
study sites have been selected, pertinent mining and other information
has been completed. A site selection report and a preliminary report,
containing a literature review and preliminary gravel removal guidelines,
has been received from the contractor. The preliminary report is being
revised and is expected to be finalized and ready for distribution by,
December 31, 1976.
User/Customer; The primary intended user will be resource managers directly
involved in the decision making process that concerns gravel removal
operations in arctic and subarctic streams. A multidisciplinary approach
is being used in the study and it is expected that there will be a multi-
disciplinary interest in the products.
Significance to Energy Policy: Energy development or any other kind of develop-
ment requires large amounts of granular materials, i.e., roads, drilling
pads, docks, airfields, etc. In the arctic and subarctic, a large portion
of this material is mined from active flood plains of streams in the
form of gravel. One of the national policies is to "minimize" detrimental
environmental impacts when developments are necessary. In order to make
decisions to achieve this, a basic understanding of the problem-the effects
and alternatives-is necessary. This project will provide the first data on
this problem in the energy rich area of Northern Alaska. Major outputs
will be a scientific report presenting data obtained, and, more importantly,
a handbook to guide the user in formulating proper recommendations.
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EPA/FWS 77 BAV
EPA/FWS 78 BAV
ECOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF OIL ON BIRDS
Objective; (1) Test and adapt analytical methods for identification of
petroleum hydrocarbons in tissues and eggs; (2) Evaluate the effects of
oil on viability of eggs and on survival of chicks; (3) Assess the
prevalence of oil ingestion by wild birds and relate tissue levels of
oil to damage, and assess the synergistic effects of oil and chemicals
on bird survival.
Results to Date; Analytical techniques for identification of petroleum hydro-
carbon in avian tissues have been developed and verified. Duplicate
samples have been tested with our techniques by independent laboratories
with the same results. The investigators are now studying the fate and
effects of petroleum hydrocarbons in birds. Preliminary tests where duck
eggs were coated with oil indicate a high mortality rate of the embryos
due to oil coating of the eggs. Further work is needed to verify the
preliminary tests and to determine if species vary in susceptibility.
Studies underway or to be initiated with the next year include effects
of hydrocarbons on oil kinetics when ingested directly or indirectly
with food items, and the possible synergistic action of oil with other
contaminants.
User/Customer; The managers of bird resources need to know if oil ingestion
and egg coating is a serious threat to bird resources so that necessary
preventive actions can be taken to protect the resource.
Significance to Energy Policy: Should oil or egg coating be significanctly
detrimental to the health or existence of any species of birds, the
planners, developers, and managers need to know as soon as possible.
Results are pertinent to OCS leasing and operating procedures, and oil
spill contingency planning.
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EPA/FWS 77 BAW
ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE COASTAL CHENIER
PLAIN AREA OF SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA AND SOUTHEAST TEXAS
Objective: (1) Produce a synthesis of available environmental information
for the Chenier Plain; (2) Organize the environmental data into an
ecological characterization; (3) Develop the conceptual framework and
organize the environmental elements into a model for use in planning
additional ecological characterizations; (4) Publish a characterization
atlas and data appendices and disseminate to potential users.
Results to date; A conceptual model which includes biological resources,
environmental factors and ecological processes has been prepared for
the Chenier Plain. This model will guide further data collection and
synthesis for the preparation of the ecological characterization.
The coastal habitat has been classified and mapped utilizing remote
sensing techniques.
User/Customer: The primary users of the ecological characterization will be
the planners and managers of coastal resources likely to be impacted
by new or accelerated energy development activities. The users are in
numerous federal (BLM, FWS, NOAA) and state agencies (Coastal Zone
Management) as well as in the private sector of special interest groups and
concerned individuals.
Significance to Energy Policy; The products of this project will influence
decision making directly by the development of the characterization
which will in one document summarize the resources and processes of
an area. This will enable the planners and managers to directly see
how an action in one sector of the area (e.g., deepwater ports, pipelines)
will impact on the area. The indirect influence will be the development
of an appreciation for an ecosystem viewpoint when any developmental
action is being considered. Furthermore, pertinent environmental informa-
tion about the area will be readily available in one source, and gaps in
essential data will be apparent.
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EPA/FWS 78 BFG
HABITAT REQUIREMENTS OF ENDANGERED FISHES
Objective; (I) Compile annotated and indexed bibliographies of published
and available unpublished technical information (including on-going
studies) regarding the-aquatic fauna with emphasis on endangered or
threatened fish, flora, and habitat characteristics of the Upper
Colorado and Missouri River Basins. A separate bibliography is planned
for each river basin. These bibliographies will be an expansion of the
bibliographies developed in Project 30; (2) Construct two series of base
maps and overlays (scale 1:126,720) of the. river drainage systems delinea-
ting: (a) Distributions of selected, fish species, and known spawning
and '.rearing areas with accompanying tables of physical and chemical
habitat characteristics; (b) Locations of current and past field studies
and data collection stations; (3) Evaluate the above information from a
river ecosystem rather than a site or species-specific approach and present
the evaluation in the form of a concise, well-organized report; (4) From
an evaluation of the above information and in close consultation with the
project officer, design and conduct aquatic ecosystem studies selected
by the project officer to fill pertinent data gaps on the habitat require-
ments and distributions of selected threatened fishes.
Results to Date; Two contracting firms have been selected and the contracts
are in preparation for signatures.
r
User/Customer; The study was planned in cooperation with the Colorado Squaw-
fish Recovery Team and after consultation with representatives from the
various state game and-fish departments. When completed, the study should
present a fairly complete ecosystem analysis of the distribution and
'habitat requirements of endangered and threatened fishes of the Upper
Colorado River. As such, it will provide basic data to a variety of federal,
state and private agencies dealing with the aquatic-based natural resources
in the Upper Colorado Basin.
Significance to Energy Policy: The project will compile, evaluate and add to
the available data base for the Upper Colorado River ecosystem with
special emphasis on the habitat requirements of endangered or threatened
fishes. As such, the project will provide basic information for the
compilation and evaluation of environmental impact statements. It will
provide decision makers with the information needed to manage, enhance,
protect or mitigate the natural resources of the Upper Colorado River
System during energy development.
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EPA/FWS 77 BBS
THE FISH AND WILDLIFE IMPACT OF ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
IN THE FOUR CORNERS REGION
Objective: The primary objective of this project is to assess the secondary
impacts of energy development on natural systems. Residential, com-
mercial, and recreational development resulting from energy-induced
regional growth will form the foci of the investigation. In addition,
the natural environment of the region will be studied to identify areas
of greatest sensitivity to development. Finally, a method to integrate
the information concerning regional growth and environmental sensitivity
will be developed.
Results to Date; Results of this project to date include refinement and synthesis
of regional population projections, development of a regional recreation
model, investigation of disturbance and fragility of potentially impacted
sites, and development of a computerized system of map overlays which will
be used to pinpoint areas of most damaging impact. To date, data collec-
tion and coding have been completed for all 10 maps planned for the New
Mexico quadrant, keypunching and computerization has been completed for
eight of the ten, and final verification has been completed for one map.
User/Customer: Expected users of the products of this project include fish
and wildlife, energy, and land management planners, managers, and decision
makers. Public officials at the federal, state, and local levels as well
as planners in the private sector should find this information useful.
Significance to Energy Policy; This project promises to impaet energy policy
and decision making in two principal ways. First, it will provide decision
makers with an overview of what will be the total impact, secondary as well
as primary, of energy development on natural systems. Second, it will pin-
point areas of potentially severe environmental damage in the Four Corners
Region caused by the development of that region's considerable energy
resources.
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43
EPA/FWS 78 BFC
IDENTIFICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS OF DEVELOPMENT
OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY FROM THE GULF COAST GEOPRESSURED ZONE
Objective; The purpose of this project is to provide the U. S. Fish and
Wildlife Service with an assessment of what is known today concerning
development of this energy resource and the potential adverse impact its
development represents for the unique and valuable fish and wildlife
resources of the Gulf Coast Region. Specific objectives are: (1) To
evaluate the potential for development of the geothermal geopressured
zone of the U. S. Gulf Coast Region, based on an examination of the
inferred magnitude and extent of the resource, and existing incentives
and constraints to its development; (2) To provide a description of the
potential number and kinds of energy conversion facilities and systems
the resource may support and identify potential waste products and
environmental intrusions the facilities may produce; (3) To describe the
coastal ecosystem including unique or critical features, and identify
potential impacts on fish and wildlife resources to be anticipated from
development of the geopressured resource; (4) To identify development
alternatives and mitigation options to minimize potential adverse impacts.
Results to Date; A contract was awarded on September 16, 1976 to the University
of Texas at Austin, Bureau of Economic Geology, to perform this 9-month
study. The University Marine Sciences Institute is a principal investigator
on the project. Activity to date has included necessary organizational
and managerial tasks. Literature searches have been initiated and
numerous tasks for the development scenarios are underway. The first
tangible result of the study will be a written report and briefing meeting
. about March 1, 1977, on objectives (1) and (2) in the previous paragraph.
User/Customer; The intended users of this study's results are the decision
makers who are currently making research and development decisions, and
will ultimately make energy production decisions re this potential resource.
Primary entities in this decision train are:' local governments-cities and
counties along coasts of Texas and Louisiana; state governments-numerous
Texas and Louisiana agencies; Federal government-ERDA, EPA, FWS, GS, BLM,
and others as appropriate. Of course, industry must be considered a part
of the decision process, and is therefore an intended user.
Significance to Energy Policy: This project will impact decision making by
alerting decision makers to critical ecosystem areas that should be
avoided to prevent serious wildlife losses due to development; and,
by suggesting alternative development means whereby environmental and
energy development concerns may co-exist without serious detriment to
either.
Principal Investigator; The University Marine Sciences Institute
Performing Organization; University of Texas at Austin, Bureau of Economic
Geology
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44
EPA/FWS 78 BFD
DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNIQUES FOR PREDICTING PROBABLE EFFECTS OF COMMERCIAL -
SCALE GEOTHERMAL DEVELOPMENT ON FISH AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES IN THE WESTERN U.S.
Objective: (1) To provide methodologies for predicting impacts on fish and
wildlife using predevelopment data. (2) To present these methodologies in
a format usable to decision makers at an early stage in the development
process.
Results to Date: The contract was effective on September 27, 1976. The
initial meeting with the contractor (Woodward-Clyde of San Francisco)
was October 5, 1976. The contractor's Work Plan is currently under FWS
review. Co-operating agencies and interested parties have been notified.
User/Customer: Broadly, anyone interested in better understanding the likely
impacts of geothermal development prior to actual construction is a
potential user. The product will be designed to be particularly useful
to decision makers at any level who must analyze trade-offs involving
possible impacts to fish and wildlife from development alternatives.
Anticipated users include government agencies at all levels responsible
for planning, regulation, or review of geothermal developments, as well
as private interests whose operations dictate or require that they inter-
act with these agencies. Project results are expected to be applicable
to other activities having development components similar to geothermal.
Significance to Energy Policy; This project will impact energy policy by
providing the means for better information to be made available to decision
makers. It will tend to put decisions on a more defensible basis by
removing part of the uncertainty concerning the environmental consequences
of development decisions. It should speed up decisions. It should speed
up decision making which, in general, tends to be slowed by uncertainty.
Performing Organization: Woodward-Clyde of San Francisco, CA
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45
EPA/FWS 77 BBT
IDENTIFICATION, DESCRIPTION, AND EVALUATION OF STRATEGIES FOR RESERVING
FLOW FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE
Objective; (1) To identify existing procedural, methodological, and legal
methods for reserving flows for enhancing fish and wildlife purposes;
(2) To determine the extent of unobligated waters in federal reservoirs
and the extent to which such waters may be available to ensure down-
stream flows for fish and wildlife.
Results to Date: The project was begun in late August by contracts to
Richard Dewsnup, legal consultant, and to Enviro Control, Incorporated.
Legal-institutional methods for reserving flows will be identified by
January 1977 for evaluation and organization into a handbook by July 1977.
The identification of unobligated waters in federal reservoirs is under-
way and will be completed in January 1977.
User/Customer; This project is primarily oriented to the ecological services
components of the Fish and Wildlife Service, state fish and game depart-
ments, and environmental specialists within water development agencies.
The Interagency Cooperative Instream Flow Service Group will serve as the
primary information transfer focal point for this project.
Significance to Energy Policy: Traditionally, reservation of flows for fish
and wildlife purposes has operated as a constraint to developmental uses
of water. This project will seek ways of reserving flows which (1) coin-
cide with traditional water law and water uses, and/or (2) utilize water
not already allocated to other purposes. It can, therefore, provide
alternatives for decision makers not ordinarily available to them.
Performing Organization; Richard Dewsnup, legal consultant, and Enviro Control,
Incorporated
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46
EPA/FWS 78 BFE
/
METHODOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION FOR DETERMINING
INSTREAM FLOW NEEDS
Objective; The primary objective initially identified is to develop improved
methods for assessing and predicting instream flow requirements for fish,
wildlife, and other aquatic organisms, estuarine inflows, recreation, and
aesthetics.
Results to Date£ A Cooperative Instream Flow Service Group has been established
in Fort Collins, Colorado, with five professionals and secretarial support.
A draft plan has been prepared and is ready for review outlining project
objectives and specific products and milestones. Computer models have
been identified and are being synthesized into a physical model suitable
for biological evaluation of predicted flows below water project structures.
This improved methodology will be tested in the Snake River by Idaho Fish
and Game.
The Instream Flow Service group is assisting in management of a contract
to Colorado State University to test and compare four of the most widely
used fishery habitat evaluation methods on the Yampa River in Colorado.
User/Customer; Services are being provided directly to Fish and Wildlife Service
personnel, other federal agency personnel, and to state fish and game
agency personnel. Montana and Idaho Fish and Game Departments have asked
for specific assistance in their instream flow programs as of this date
as well as ecological services field office personnel.
Significance to Energy Policy: The Instream Flow Service Group is developing
an information transfer program that will enable decision makers to have
access to the most up-to-date information on data relative to instream flow
uses.
The Instream Flow Service Group is engaged in methodology development
for assessing the instream flow aspects of water availability and impacts
related to emerging energy technologies to be advanced by ERDA. (This
work is supported by funds supplied to ERDA and passed to FWS by the Water
Resources Council).
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47
EPA/PWS 77 BFU
ESTABLISHMENT OF VALUE FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE OF EXISTING WATERS
IN ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AREAS
Objective; (1) To determine each participating state's perception of the
relative value of distinct reaches of their permanently flowing
streams and place each reach in one of four classifications; (2) to
survey existing records and produce summary documentation of the basis
for each evaluation; (3) to produce an atlas of maps at the Water Resources
Council Planning scale of 1:500,000.
Results to Date: Of 17 states invited to participate, contracts have been
negotiated for 9 states, contract negotiations are in progress for 4
states, the work has been completed in 1 state, an existing similar
effort will be monitored in 1 state, and 2 states have declined to
participate.
User/Customer; The stream evaluations will be used to: (1) Identify highly
valued stream resources to: (a) state and county planners and water
engineers; (b) federal water development agencies such as the Bureau of
Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, Corps of Engineers, Soil Con-
servation Service, etc.; (c) state and federal water policy bodies such
as OWRT, OWRRI, state and federal legislative bodies, etc.; (d) conser-
vation groups, (e) the general public. (2) Establish priorities for the
FWS to: (a) initiate a program to establish optimum/minimum flows for
the enhancement/maintenance of existing high quality fisheries; (b) pro-
pose projects to fill gaps in the data supporting and evaluations.
Significance to Energy Policy; The results of this project are anticipated
to not only impact energy policy and decisions but influence western
water allocation and manipulation policies and decisions in general.
This prior identification of highly valued stream resources will serve
as a means of conflict avoidance and provide the basis for decisions
on water use that will protect fish and wildlife resources. The values
established under this project will provide priorities for obtaining,
in advance, necessary baseline data for support of requests for modifi-
cation in project design in those cases where water use conflicts cannot
be avoided. Finally, information obtained under this project or from
projects generated by this effort can provide supportive documentation
for initiatives in flow reservations, new water legislation, and antici-
pated efforts for water reallocation.
Growth in energy development is water-limited in the arid west and in
direct conflict with growth, or in some cases, maintenance of agricultural
production. This project may provide the groundwork for such energy
policy decisions as the relative.priority of development of eastern or
western coal reserves or the emphasis placed on technology development
of solar, geothermal, and/or nuclear energy alternatives.
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48
EPA/FWS 78 BBN
ECOLOGICAL METHODS FOR ASSESSING IMPACTS TO WILDLIFE HABITAT
IN AREAS AFFECTED BY COAL DEVELOPMENT
Objective: These investigations will identify, demonstrate, and implement
rapid, cost-effective, and reliable methods of inventorying and charac-
terizing ecological communities in areas and regions under stress from
coal development. Five large (5,000-10,000 square miles) Ecological
Test Areas in western coal areas have been identified. Specific objectives
on these areas include: (1) defining information needs for wildlife
populations and habitat; (2) developing procedures and map appropriate
natural and cultural characteristics of the test areas; (3) developing
or implementing procedures for estimating parameters of wildlife popu-
lations; (4) identifying and developing functional characteristics
between wildlife populations, and natural and cultural characteristics
of test area landscape; (5) implementing methods to integrate geo-based
landscape information with wildlife and industrial development information.
Results to Date; During the past year the Fish and Wildlife Service has placed
a great deal of emphasis on planning an approach to rapid assessment
methodologies. This has involved locating five ecological test areas in
the west, where development of these methodologies will have the greatest
utility for a broad spectrum of coal-related problems. These test areas
are large, 5,000 to 10,000 square miles each, covering major ecosystems
that may be stressed by coal development. Test areas have been established
in southwest North Dakota, southeast Montana and northeast Wyoming, north-
west Colorado, northwest New Mexico, and south central Utah. Following
identification of test area, areas of research intent were delineated.
Detailed statements of work, including research design, methods, timing, and
products were developed.
To date, nine contracts (subprojects), described in detail on the following
pages, have been awarded in pursuit of the objectives.
User/Customer; The major emphasis of this project is to develop rapid, cost-
effective methods of inventorying and characterizing ecological communities.
In many instances in day-to-day EIS work, impact assessment work and policy
or operational decisions, the data available is inadequate, inconsistent
over a large geographic area, or both. Yet, too often the collection of
needed new information is too expensive or researchers need too much time
to collect the information. Many important decisions are being made from
these data. This effort will provide tools and output useful to the broad
spectrum of federal and state agencies involved in coal-related actions.
Significance to Energy Policy: As noted above, this project will have wide
utility to a wide variety of federal and state agencies involved in coal
decisions. The results will be useful for impact assessment on a site-
specific and regional basis.
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EPA/FWS 77 BBN
EPA/FWS 78 BBN Subproject 1
ADAPTATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PROTOTYPE IMPLEMENTATION OF AN OPERATIONALLY
ORIENTED, COMPUTERIZED, MAP-BASED DATA STORAGE AND ANALYSIS SYSTEM FOR
FISH AND WILDLIFE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT USE
Objective; Develop, for operational use by the Fish and Wildlife Service Region
6, the capability to store in computerized files and to analyze by
computerized composite mapping, simulation and predictive modeling methods,
map-based data collected for use in resource development decisions
requiring Fish and Wildlife Service inputs. In addition, the capability
will be developed to access and use available computerized data files of
other sources, especially federal and state natural resoure management
agencies.
Results to Date; Starting date: September 24, 1976; anticipated completion,
October 31, 1978.
Products and Achievements: No products yet; currently detailed plans
are being drafted for Task 1: assessment of user needs and system
requirements.
User/Customer: Primary users are Fish and Wildlife Service operational personnel
in Area and Regional Offices of Fish and Wildlife Service Region 6. This
is the Western Region which will be most heavily impacted by coal and
other energy developments. Additional users of the system, or a modified
version, are the Fish and Wildlife Service Regional and Area Offices,
Habitat Assessment Group, Wetland Inventory Group (Systems and Inventory,
DBS), and the Cooperative Instream Flow Service Group. State wildlife
management agencies are also potential users, especially in the West.
Suitable reports of this project will be disseminated to personnel of
federal and state natural resource agencies at middle management levels,
including the U. S. Geological Survey, National Park Service, Forest
Service, Bureau of Mines, Bureau of Reclamation, Soil Conservation Service,
etc.
Significance to Energy Policy: This project will result in a capability to use
computer methodologies to rapidly assess energy development project impacts,
and to do regional planning, using all relevant available map-based data
for graphic display of resource-uses overlaps and for simulation of
development effects.
Performing Organization; Federation of Rocky Mountain States, Inc.; 2480 West
26th Avenue - Suite 3008, Denver, Colorado 80211
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50
EPA/FWS 77 BBN
Subproject 2
EXISTING TEST AREA IMAGERY
Objective: To identify, catalog, and document ground coverage of existing
aircraft and SKYLAB imagery for each of the five Regional Ecological
Test Areas, at scales between 1:24,000 and 1:130,000.
Results to Date; Contract Date: May 10, 1976 (supplement to existing
contract)
Completion: September 30, 1976 (Survey is complete; expect final graphics
and report November 15, 1976)
User/Customer; This project is expected to produce information on imagery
coverage of western energy development regions and specific sites within
regions for use by the Fish and Wildlife Service in assessing impacts on
wildlife habitats of current and future energy resource development
projects. It will enable the rapid determination of available imagery,
for use by the Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies, when
called upon for input to federal leasing, EIS, or other processes related
to energy resource management. It will also serve to identify areas
without coverage which may be required and should be flown in the future.
Specific users of the information include Fish and Wildlife Service
Areas Offices in Billings, Bismarck, and Salt Lake City; Regional Offices
in Denver and Albuquerque; the Western Energy and Land Use Team; and
the Habitat Assessment Group in Fort Collins, Colorado. Also the
Regional Offices, Area Offices, Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Mines,
U. S. Geological Survey, and Bureau of Land Management; state offices
of state fish and game agencies in North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming,
Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico and state planning offices.
Significance to Energy Policy: The information produced by this project will
contribute toward the efficient, cost-effective utilization of better, more
detailed, and more specific data on wildlife habitats, for use in depart-
mental decision making regarding western energy development. Its effect
on such decisions will be to improve their information bases, and there-
fore their quality, by contributing to the generation of both site specific
and regional cumulative assessments of energy projects on wildlife. Data
can be interpreted more reliably and sounder decisions can be made.
Performing Organization; Photo Science, Inc.; 7840 Airpark Road, Gaithersburg,
Maryland 20760
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51
EPA/FWS 77 BBN
Subproject 3
ACQUISITION OF TEST AREA IMAGERY
Objective: To acquire color infrared imagery of the five Regional Test Areas ,
by duplicating the best one-time coverage available at other agency
offices, or by obtaining new coverage where not available otherwise.
Results to Date; North Dakota Test Area - The Fish and Wildlife Service
Bismarck Area Office has 1:80,000 color infrared coverage of the entire
area. The imagery is availabe as needed, and there are no immediate
plans to duplicate it.
Montana/Wyoming Test Area - The Bureau of Land Management obtained
coverage of this area at 1:31,680 scale this year. Duplicate copies
for the Fish and Wildlife Service have been purchased from the EROS Data
Center, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In addition, coverate at 1:24,000
scale has recently been obtained and delivered to the Western Energy and
Land Use Team for certain areas in Montana not available from the Bureau
of Land Management.
Northwest Colorado Test Area - This entire test area was recently flown
on contract for the Western Energy and Land Use Team, and the film has
been delivered. (Contractor was H.A.R.P., Ltd., 333 Quebec Street, Denver,
Colorado 80207).
Southern Utah Test Area - Approximately 98 percent of this test area has
been covered with color infrared at 1:31,680 scale by the Bureau of Land
Management. The imagery is available in the Bureau of Land Management
Utah State Office and will be duplicated by the Western Energy and Land
Use Team next year.
Northwest New Mexico Test Area - No color infrared coverage of this area
has been found. The Bureau of Indian Affairs was planning to fly a small
portion of the area in October 1976, but due to the late season, this
imagery probably would not be satisfactory. Therefore, the Western Energy
and Land Use Team will probably obtain coverage next summer.
User/Customer; Primary users will be Fish and Wildlife Service and Fish and
Wildlife Service contractors to utilize in validating methods, procedures,
etc. Other ultimate users include agencies of both state and federal
government, as well as private industry.
Significance to Energy Policy: One of the major gaps in energy policy and
decision making has been the lack of a uniform, detailed data base for
areas and regions that may come under stress from coal development. A
large part of this data base related to surface features of coal develop-
ment areas can be developed from this photography.
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EPA/FWS 77 BBN
Subproject 4
SURVEY OF VEGETATION, WILDLIFE HABITAT, AND LAND USE CLASSIFICATION
SYSTEMS USED BY STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES IN THE WESTERN UNITED STATES
Objective: To compile a list and associated descriptions of all land use and
vegetation classification systems in use by federal and state land and
resource management and planning agencies in the western United States
and to evaluate each system as to its characteristics and potential use-
fulness to OBS needs.
Results to Date: The project was contracted and it commenced on September 1,
1976. The anticipated termination date is December 1, 1976.
Current results include a list of contacts in the various agencies from
which information is to be obtained (established by September 16). The
list includes:
State Departments of Wildlife and Fish, conservation of natural
resources, land management, environment, geology, parks, and planning
in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana,
Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota,
Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Final approval is pending to
add Oklahoma and the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia to the
list.
Federal agencies:
Department of Agriculture: (1) Forest Service; (2) Soil Conservation
Service
Department of the Interior: (1) Bureau of Indian Affairs; (2) Bureau
of Land Management; (3) Bureau of Reclamation; (4) Fish and Wild-
life Service; (5) Geological Survey; (6) National Park Service
Army Corps of Engineers
Environmental Protection Agency
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
Energy Research and Development Administration
Federal Energy Administration
Federal Power Commission
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
A preliminary list of land use and vegetation classification systems
being used by the agencies named above has been compiled as of
October 31.
A draft outline of the user's guide to the above systems has been
prepared, and ECI is now amplifying it into the final product.
User/Customer: (1) Planners, managers, and field investigators in all state,
federal, and private agencies involved in the problems of land and
vegetation management related to energy development; (2) all persons and
agencies to be benefited by the results of Project 4.2 and 4.3.
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53
Significance to Energy Policy; (I) Can help standardize methods and principles
of habitat analysis and interpretation among the various agencies and
organizations concerned with such responsibility; (2) will be useful in
comparing sites for various needs in preservation, restoration, or other
aspects of management; (3) will provide means of judging areas for setting
priorities in scheduling development and selecting alternative sites.
Performing Organization; Ecology Consultants, Inc., Fort Collins, Colorado
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54
EPA/FWS 77 BBN
Subproject 5
LANDSAT DIGITAL DATA CLASSIFICATION
Objective: To obtain and process LANDSAT digital data by computer to produce
vegetation and land use surface feature classifications. Error analysis
and quantitative evaluation will be conducted on classification accuracy,
geographic accuracy, and aerial measurement precision.
Results to Date: Contract date: September 15, 1976; completion date, May 15,
1977.
User/Customer: The primary user will be the Western Energy and Land Use Team,
to assess the utility of LANDSAT data for wildlife habitat analysis on.a
regional scale. This assessment will depend on the errors measured in
each of three categories (described above), which will be considered
relative to the information requirements of the Fish and Wildlife Service.
In addition, the thematic maps produced by the project will be of direct
use to Fish and Wildlife Service field personnel in the Test Areas, as will
the manual to be produced explaining the uses, advantages, and limitations
of LANDSAT data.
Significance to Energy Policy: This project will produce information which will
have direct effects on both current energy/environment decisions on the
Test Areas, and on future decisions regarding the suitability of LANDSAT
technology for Fish and Wildlife Service use. For the immediate future,
the project will provide graphic displays of regional wildlife habitat and
land use distribution patterns, for use in alternative evaluation and
energy-related decision making.
Can be used to evaluate alternative sites for developments: e.g., which
are of lowest value environmentally without being unsuitable for desired
land uses?
Can be used to combine with species distribution and topographic and
mineral resource deposits - information for the same areas.
Performing Organization: Bendix Aerospace Systems Division, 3621 South State
Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48107
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EPA/FWS 77 BBN
Subproject 6
EVALUATION OF CIR IMAGERY ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES
Objective; To evaluate and compare manual and machine-aid analog and digital
processing of CIR imagery for extracting detailed ecological and land-
use information. Tests will be conducted to determine the capability of
medium-scale CIR imagery to delineate the distribution of and inventory
the amount of land in certain land-use and ecological classes. The
study will provide estimates of unit cost, time requirements, and accuracy
for each of the tested methods.
Results to Date: Contract date: September 15, 1976; completion date:
March 15, 1977.
User/Customer: Fish and Wildlife Service Area and Regional Office personnel
will be the primary users of the information obtained on this project,
although other agency personnel interested in the application of remote
sensing technology to resource management and analysis will also benefit.
The project will provide a comparison between several color imagery
analysis procedures which can benefit any federal or stage agency interested
in use of the technology on an operational basis. These include state
universities, state natural resource and environmental protection agencies
and the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Mines, U.S. Geological Survey,
National Park Service, Forest Service, Bureau of Reclamation, Soil Conser-
vation Service, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Energy Research
and Development Administration.
Significance to Energy Policy: This project will provide currently unavailable
data on the relative merits of the various techniques investigated which
will be of value in deciding which, if any, remote sensing technologies
should'be used in the future by the Fish and Wildlife Service for providing
data on the effects of specific energy projects on wildlife and wildlife
habitats. The ultimate effect will be to reduce the time required for
alternatives analysis related to new or modified energy resource develop-
ment programs.
The project could result in a step toward natural resource agency-wide
standardization and improvement of techniques.
Performing Organization; HRB Singer, Inc.; Box 60, Science Park, State College,
Pennsylvania 16801
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EPA/FWS 77 BBN
Subproject 7
APPLICATION AND EXTENSION OF LINE TRANSECT METHODS IN BIOLOGICAL
MONITORING AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Objective; Develop comprehensive, valid statistical designs of, and analysis
methods for, the line transect sampling approach of estimating density
of biological populations.
Specific objectives are: (1) Develop a preliminary report for applied
field biologists on study design and field procedures; (2) develop valid,
extensive mathematical-statistical theory for analysis of line transect
data: all practical applications will be covered; (3) develop a general,
user-oriented, set of computer programs to perform the analyses developed
under objective; (4) publish an applied handbook covering the field
methods, analysis methods, and explaining the computer programs.
Results to Date: Starting date: June 1, 1976; anticipated completion date:
October 31, 1978.
Current Products: A final draft of the field procedures manual was just
reviewed. This manual will be published and distributed by January 1,
1977. Considerable progress has been made on objective b, but results
will not be available to the general scientific cummunity for at least
a year.
User/Customer: Field and research biologists in federal, state, and private
employment.
Significance to Energy Policy: Estimation of population density or total numbers
(various animals, or plants, nests, burrows, carcasses, etc.) is of funda-
mental importance under NEPA and various "baseline" studies required prior
to natural resource related decisions. The line transect method has many
practical advantages—it is relatively easy to use, it is rapid, it
produces quantitative estimates of abundance. This technique currently
is commonly used, but without the firm theoretical foundation this
project will develop. As an example of a major application, the Southwest
Marine Fisheries Center (NOAA) plans to use an aerial line transect
sampling approach in early 1977 to begin getting reliable data on the
population status of Pacific pelogic porpoise stock. Theory being developed
under this contract will affect that survey's design.
Principal Investigator: Dr. David R. Anderson
Performing Organization: Utah State University; Logan, Utah
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EPA/FWS 77 BBN
Subproject 8
DEVELOP A USER'S HANDBOOK AND COMPUTER PROGRAM TO IMPLEMENT RELIABLE,
COMPREHENSIVE STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF CAPTURE-RECAPTURE AND REMOVAL
DATA FROM CLOSED POPULATIONS
Objective; Write a series of user-oriented computer programs in FORTRAN
to perform all computations necessary to thoroughly analyze capture-
recapture and removal data under the closure assumption. A compre-
hensive set of analysis of such data will also be developed. It will
, be user oriented.
Results to Date: Starting date: June 1, 1976; anticipated completion
date: June 30, 1977.
Progress: No products are done until the end of the contract. The
contents of the handbook have been outlined. All models of interest
are specified, and all mathematical problems have been solved or are
clearly specified. Work on programming has started.
User/Customer; Research and field biologists (federal, state, private) are
the primary users. Audience extends to many natural resource and
environmental agencies and to students.
Significance to Energy Policy; This project is intended to greatly improve
the statistical analysis of the tremendous amount of capture data
routinely gathered in all forms of environmental impact analyses (EIS,
- baseline studies, reclamation success evaluation). It relates mostly
to trapping small mammals and to electrofishing. Given these compre-
hensive, valid statistical methods (which are not now routinely used)
and their implementation in a user-oriented program, rapid assessment
of potential impacts beforehand can be made, as well as post develop-
ment actual impacts on appropriate biological populations. Though such
comparisons are currently attempted, they are rarely statistically valid;
this project will provide a remedy for that problem.
Principal Investigator; Dr. David R. Anderson
Performing Organization: Utah State University; Logan, Utah
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58
EPA/FWS 78 BBN
Subproject 9
A SIMULATION APPROACH TO THE ANALYSIS OF STRIP-MINING IMPACT ON THE
ECOSYSTEM WITH EMPHASIS ON WILDLIFE
Objective: This study will test the effectiveness of ecosystem modeling
in predicting the results of various reclamation efforts given the
values of the parameters such as soil layering, reshaping, topsoiling,
new soil texture, and factors such as planting, fertilizing, irrigating,
and other such inputs. This modeling effort is directed at determining
how the process of rehabilitation and therefore the potential for utili-
zation of wildlife is effected by (1) variations in ecosystem conditions
remaining after strip mining, and by (2) alternative reclamation
strategies.
Results to Date; Starting date: September 1, 1976; anticipated completion
date:August 31, 1977.
Progress: There are no products yet for delivery to WELUT, but the
contractor has completed an extensive review and compilation of pertinent
literature (1,000+ references). Model conceptualization is well along
and the Grasslands Biome model ELM (cottonwood version) is being modified
appropriately.
User/Customer: Primary users are research personnel working on reclamation of
strip-mined western lands. The potential audience is far larger and
includes any government agency or private industry concerned with reclama-
tion of strip-mined wester lands.
Significance to Energy Policy; This is a study to test whether ecosystem
modeling can provide an effective tool to predicting success of site-
specific reclamation alternatives. If it is successful, then we would
promote full development and implementation of this methodology for use
by those agencies and industries that must make decisions about reclamation
methods of strip-mined western lands. This would provide a rapid-assessment
tool to evaluate alternatives on a site-specific basis.
Principal Investigator; Dr. James E. Ellis
Performing Organization: Colorado State University; Fort Collins, Colorado
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59
UNITED STATES ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
ADMINISTRATION
Division of Biomedical and Environmental Research
Effects of Oil on Tundra Thaw Ponds 61
The Investigation of Oil Persistence in Tundra
and its Impact on the Below-Ground Arctic
Ecosystem 62
Effects of Road Construction Upon Nearby Lakes
on the Alaskan North Slope 63
Suspended Sediments and Related Limnology of an
Alpine Lake System - A Method for Evaluating
and Monitoring Sediment Impact 64
Numeric Information Support for Assessment of Impacts
of Surface Mine Land Reclamation Activities on
Freshwater Resources 65
Trace Metal Cycling and Effects on Terrestrial
Ecosystems in the Southeastern United States 66
Coal Ash Contaminants in Southeastern Aquatic
Ecosystems 67
The Contamination of Groundwater by Heavy Metals
from the Land Disposal of Fly Ash 68
Environmental Impact of Coal Ash on Tributary
Streams and Nearshore Waters of Lake Erie 69
Ecological Fate and Effects of Trace Contaminants
from Coal Combustion and Processing ..... 70
The Development of Biological Indices for
Identifying and Evaluating Impacts of Pollutants
on Freshwater Ecosystems 71
Distribution, Persistence and Potential Effects of
Trace Elements Released by a Coal-Burning
Generating Station in the Mohave Desert 72
Study of Cooling Tower Plumes 73
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60
UNITED STATES ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
ADMINISTRATION
Division of Biomedical and Environmental Research
Effects of Entrainment in Cooling Systems on
Fish Eggs and Larvae 74
Long-Term Effects of Hydrocarbons on Selected
Ecosystems and Associated Organisms 75
Transport and Dispersion of Refinery Wastes
in Freshwater Coastal Regions 76
Baseline Data on Benthic Community Structure in
the Santa Barbara Channel Oil Lease Area and the
Effects of Drilling Muds on Offshore Benthos 77
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EPA-IAG-D5-E681
Sub-agreement 78-BCA
61
EFFECTS OF OIL ON TUNDRA
THAW PONDS
Objective; The overall objective of this project is the delineation of the long
and short term effects of oil on the ecology of an arctic thaw pond. Within
this general framework, specific objectives include: (1) understanding the
process by which an oil spill changes the species composition of phytoplankton
algae, (2) understanding the process by which an oil spill kills zooplankton,
(3) understanding the process that results in lack of reproduction of the
benthic animals, (4) understanding how the numbers of bacteria in the plankton
and sediments are affected by an oil spill, (5) understanding the long term
effect of oil on the rooted aquatic plants Carex aquatilis and Artophila fulva,
and (6) determining the rate of degradation of crude oil and its component
parts in arctic ponds.
Results to Date; Results of this work have indicated that the dominant species of
phytoplankton change in response to oil, but primary productivity is not sig-
nificantly affected. Among the zooplankton, Daphnia and fairy shrimp were
found to be much more susceptible than copepods. The only benthic organism
affected was the chironomid Tehytarus. This was not due to direct toxicity,
but to their reproduction, since they are bound to the pond surface during
mating searches. There was no significant change in bacteria numbers or obvious
effects on plant growth as a result of oil spill, but further study is needed.
User/Customer; Government agencies and citizens' groups which monitor oil-related
projects in the Arctic.
Significance to Energy Policy: This work will be important in planning for future
oil extraction and transportation in tundra ecosystems. It will point out
possible dangers from oil pollution in Arctic aquatic environments and in
making decisions on the routes for pipelines, the locations of oil drilling
sites, and the precautions which must be taken to avoid environmental damage.
Principal Investigator; John E. Hobbie
Performing Organization: Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts
02543
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62
EPA-IAG-D5-E681
Sub-agreement 78-BCA
THE INVESTIGATION OF OIL PERSISTENCE IN TUNDRA AND ITS IMPACT ON THE BELOW-
GROUND ARCTIC ECOSYSTEM
Objectives; The objectives of this project are: (1) to monitor the populations
and species composition of filamentous fungi, yeasts, and bacteria in oil
treatment areas of varying concentration, initiated in 1970 at Barrow, Alaska,
by CRREL; (2) to follow the impact, through growing seasons, of oil on the
fungi, yeasts, bacteria, and plant roots; (3) to establish approximately 10
mini oil spill plots (1 sq. meter) on snow in early May and follow the move-
ment and effect of oil in different habitats; (4) to monitor physiological
changes in microorganisms which occur through one growing season with em-
phasis on respiration changes, altered respiratory quotients, and changes in
energy availability which result from oil pollution; (5) to follow the changes
which occur in the structure of the soil and how these changes affect the
soil-water relationships; (6) to relate observed changes to the rate of oil
degradation and the fractions which are deposited in tundra soil; and (7)
to isolate pure culture species of bacteria and fungi which are capable of
using oil as a substrate or are able to grow and function in areas of high
oil pollution.
Results to Date: The application of oil was found to affect soil pH and organic
carbon, reduce porosity, accelerate thaw, and alter soil moisture and
temperature. Oil treatments resulted in an increase in the numbers of viable
microorganisms, differential changes in the relative abundance of physio-
logical groups, and shifts in the population dynamics of fungi and bacteria.
Reduction in cellulose activity in oil-treated plots paralleled similar
reductions in root respiration and fungal populations. The inability of
living organisms to break down cellulose into usable glucose or short chain
carbohydrates substantially reduces or alters decomposition rates and thereby
energy flow in this ecosystem. This energy loss from the system may be sub-
stantial .
Low temperature root respiration studies show a significantly greater reduc-
tion in oil treated root respiration. This trend suggests a possible change
in the cold hardiness and the possible loss of necessary polyunsaturated folly
acids in the root membranes. At Camp Simpson, an important discovery was made
in the root respiration of plants which were healthy and growing in the oil
saturated soil. These roots showed RQ's which were lower than the same species
growing in soil devoid of oil. In addition, they lacked root-associated fungi.
The possibility of introducing plants adapted to the presence of oil into oil
pertubated areas is being followed up.
User/Customer; Government agencies and citizens' groups which monitor oil-related
projects in the far north.
Significance to Energy Policy; This work will be important in planning for future
oil extraction and transportation in tundra ecosystems. It will provide
valuable information for understanding possible damage on terrestrial eco-
systems resulting from oil pollution as well as providing information on how
best to reclaim areas of pertubation.
Principal Investigator: Orson K. Miller, Jr.
Performing Organization; Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia
24061
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EPA-IAG-D5-E681 63
Sub-agreement 78-BCA
EFFECTS OF ROAD CONSTRUCTION UPON NEARBY LAKES ON THE
ALASKAN NORTH SLOPE
Objective; The overall objective of this project relates to determining the
effects of altering the watershed drainage and sediment regimes of arctic
lakes during road construction. More specifically, this study is attempting
to determine (1) the potential biological effects of increased turbidity,
(2) the changes in physical and chemical characteristics, (3) the changes in
light pentration, (4) the effects on chemical composition and cycles, (5)
the effects on thermal regimes, and (6) characteristics of the geochemical
budget.
Results to Date; Accomplishments of this project during its initial year were:
(1) the preparation of a survey of the types of aquatic habitats along the
Trans Alaska Pipeline highway from the gate at Deadhorse to Toolik Camp; (2)
measurements of chemical parameters and primary production rates on a transect
of typical aquatic habitats over the same stretch of road; (3) measurements of
seasonal variation in water chemistry and primary production on three sites;
selected for intensive study characterizing the major aquatic habitat types,
and (4) the initiation of experiments to determine the effect of road dust
on rates of primary production of Toolik Lake waters and the effects on the
rates of filtering by zooplankton. The initial effort has essentially allowed
for the definition of potential problem areas and for a description of natural
variation in water bodies across the north slope of the Brooks Range.
User/Customer: Government agencies and environmental groups attempting to evalu-
ate disturbances of oil and gas extraction and transportation in tundra
ecosystems, and other energy-related projects in the far north.
Significance to Energy Policy; The work will point out possible dangers from
energy-related pollutants in arctic aquatic environments and aid planning
groups in making decisions relating to the location and construction of
roads, pipelines, and energy sites in arctic areas in order that environ-
mental disturbance can be minimized.
Principal Investigator: Vera Alexander
Performing Organization; Institute of Marine Science, University of Alaska,
Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
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64
EPA-IAG-D5-E681
Sub-agreement 78-BCA
SUSPENDED SEDIMENTS AND RELATED LIMNOLOGY OF AN ALPINE LAKE SYSTEM-A METHOD
FOR EVALUATING AND MONITORING SEDIMENT IMPACT
Objective: The overall objective of this project is to carry out a study of
sediment distribution and related limnological parameters on arctic lake
ecosystems. Within this general framework, specific objectives will be:
(1) to make aerial photographs from various altitudes of the lake systems
to map sediment load distributions; (2) to make sediment load determina-
tions across transects in the lakes to correlate with the aerial work;
(3) to determine trace metal and nutrient distribution at selected stations
to correlate with sediment distribution; (4) to examine limnological factors
such as primary productivity and chlorophyll distribution which clearly re-
late to light levels and, therefore, to surface sediments; and (5) to de-
termine other useful background information such as pH, alkalinity, nutrient
chemistry, and dissolved oxygen content.
Results to Date: Initial studies were conducted on the Peters and Schrader lake
system. Significant advances have been made in understanding the sediment
distribution and factors influencing circulation within these lakes. Obser-
vations on dissolved inorganic plant nutrients have indicated that silicate
and nitrate levels are considerably higher than those previously reported
for arctic lakes, but phosphate and ammonia-nitrogen levels were low as ex-
pected. The distribution of chlorophyll a_ throughout the system revealed
variations that were not necessarily related to variations in nutrients,
but were in line with the known light transmission in these waters. Benthic
production was highest near shore in areas of clear water and was reduced
by turbidity.
User/Customer: This information will be important to agencies and environmental
groups monitoring arctic lake ecosystems in areas of energy activity.
Significance to Energy Policy; The part of the study relating to the input of
natural sediments and their influence on the aquatic lake ecosystem will be
particularly helpful in evaluating the effects of erosion and sediment in-
put in areas which will be impacted by energy-related projects in the future.
The aerial techniques being developed by this study will allow impacts in
other areas of energy activity to be more effectively evaluated without the
need for detailed on the ground studies.
Principal Investigator; Vera Alexander
Performing Organization: Institute of Marine Science,. University of Alaska,
Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
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65
EPA-IAG-D5-E681
Sub-agreement 78-BCB
NUMERIC INFORMATION SUPPORT FOR ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS OF SURFACE MINE
LAND RECLAMATION ACTIVITIES ON FRESHWATER RESOURCES
Objective: The overall objective is to provide numeric information pro-
cessing and analysis support for the assessment and related regional
studies being performed by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the
Environmental Protection Agency to evaluate the effects of surface
mine-land reclamation activities on freshwater resources.
Results to Date; The,USGS water quality and water quantity tapes have
been processed, and air quality tapes have been obtained. Computer
files have been developed from the literature describing toxic com-
pounds potentially found in aquatic ecosystems. These files contain
numeric information in tabular form and cover by element and organism
the comcommitant effects of environmental variables such as pH, hardness,
^alkalinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids and
concentration of the compound. We have concurrent projects that are
developing compatible county-level environmental data bases for use by
other EPA-supported studies. Computer capabilities are being expanded
in the area of graphical display.
User/Customer: Active researchers developing alternate strip-r-mine reclamation
strategies, resource managers.
Significance to Energy Policy: Provide useful information for the evaluation
of alternate strategies of strip-mine reclamation.
Principal Investigator: Richard J. Olson
Performing Organization; Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Environmental
Sciences Division, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830
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66
EPA-IAG-D5-E681
Sub-agreement 78-BCC
TRACE METAL CYCLING AND EFFECTS ON TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS IN THE
SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES
Objective: The objectives of this study are to determine the influence of
trace metals released from coal-fired power plant stacks upon terrestrial
ecosystems typical of the southeastern United States, and to evaluate the
possibility of reclaiming abandoned ash basins for agricultural use,
Results to Date: The study is focused on the environs of a large power
plant which consumed about 400,000 tons of coal per year since 1952
and which operated without electrostatic precipitators until near the
end of 1975. Stack gas sampling and coal consumption information have
been used to estimate total releases during 23 years operation without
electrostatic precipitators. The concentration of minor and trace
elements in soil, groundwater, and terrestrial vegetation and animals
have been determined. The growth and chemical composition of trees,
grasses and legumes grown on an ash basin abandoned about 10 years
ago will be compared to the same plants grown on agricultural soil.
User/Customer: Coal industry managers, regulatory agencies, and environ-
mental control technology engineers.
Significance to Energy Policy; This research will provide information
useful in siting coal-fired power plants and in the design of environ-
mental control measures.
Principal Investigator; Todd Crawford and James H. Horton, Jr.
Performing Organization; Savannah River Laboratory, Aiken, South Caroline
29801
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67
EPA-IAG-D5-E681
Sub-agreement 78-BCC
COAL ASH CONTAMINANTS IN SOUTHEASTERN
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
Objective; The objectives of this study are to determine the influence of
trace metals released from coal-fired power plants on aquatic ecosystems
as a result of direct discharges of waste products to aquatic systems,
and as a result of the indirect input by leaching and erosion of the
materials from terrestrial ecosystems.
Results to Date; Trace metal levels including copper, zinc, lead and cadmium
in the waters of Savannah River Plant lakes receiving aerial deposits from
coal burning activities on the SRP are approximately the same as those
levels found in other natural bodies of water in the southeast area.
However, a new accumulation of metals appears to be occuring and are
being deposited in the sediment. Trace metal concentrations are higher
in the hypolimnion than in the epilimnion and are gradually increasing
while the sand remains stratified. Frequency distribution for iron,
zinc, and copper are approximately normal but are skewed and log normal
for chromium and cadmium in fish. The aquatic food chains show no
consistant nor striking trends toward bio-magnification or bio-
dilution "for the heavy metals studied.
User/Customer; Coal industry managers, regulatory agencies, and environmental
control technology engineers.
Significance to Energy Policy; This research will provide information useful
in siting coal-fired power plants and in the design of environmental
control measures.
Principal Investigator; Michael H. Smith
Performing Organization; Savannah River Ecology .laboratory, Aiken, South
Carolina 29801
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68
EPA-IAG-D5-E681
Sub-agreement 78-BCC
THE CONTAMINATION OF GROUNDWATER BY HEAVY METALS FROM THE LAND DISPOSAL
OF FLY ASH
Objective: (1) To gather laboratory and field data for purposes of
assessing the impact of heavy metal leachates of fly ash on local water
quality. Metals include Cd, Cr, Cn, Hg, Ni, Mn, Fe, Ca, Si, Al, Pb, Zn,
B, Se, As; (2) to investigate the mechanism of heavy metal attenuation
in different soil systems; (3) to evaluate a groundwater quality model
for heavy metals in the vicinity of ash disposal sites to be used for
managerial and predictive purposes.
Results to Date; The characterization of the heavy metal chemistry of the
soil systems has been completed. Monitoring of existing dispersal site
and collection of data for the ground quality model have been initiated.
Work has begun on the laboratory sorption experiments and field tracer
and monitoring studies. The results will be presented in the form of
equilibrium adsorption isotherms, leaching column breakthrough curves,
and field isopleths depicting heavy metal attenuation with distance.
The findings will be synthesized into a mathematical groundwater quality
model,
User/Customer; Coal industry officials and government regulatory agencies.
Significance to Energy Policy: The mathematical groundwater quality model
for heavy metal contamination may be used as a managerial or predictive
tool.
Principal Investigator: Thomas Theis
Performing Organization: Department of Civil Engineering, University of
Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556
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69
EPA-IAG-D5-E681
Sub-agreement 78-BCC
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF COAL ASH ON TRIBUTARY
STREAMS AND NEARSHORE WATERS OF LAKE ERIE
Objective; The objectives of the study are to characterize geochemical and
biological pools of trace elements in coal ash disposal and dispersal
areas. The following parameters will be evaluated: biological effects
of trace elements, persistance of trace metal contaminants, indicator
species for various trace elements, and rates of release of trace ele-
ments to the geochemical pool, to the biological pool, and rates of
reintroduction of trace elements into the geochemical pool.
Results to Date: Control and experimental streams were selected in
Chautauqua County, and the surficial geology and principal fly ash
dumps were mapped. Standard analytical methods have been tested, and
sampling has been carried out for trace elements in stream water, lake
water, ground water, sediment and biota. Field and aquarium studies
have been initiated to determine the physiological and behavioral
effects of coal ash on aquatic insects, but preliminary results show
little or no effect to date.
User/Customer: Researchers constructing ecosystem models, engineers designing
fly ash disposal systems, regulatory agencies responsible for water quality.
Significance to Energy Policy; The principal application of the results will
be to help determine criteria for disposal of coal wastes. Evaluation
of coal ash disposal sites, with estimates of release of trace elements,
will enable future prediction of trace element burdens at these and other
sites.
Principal Investigator;
Performing Organization;
Fredonia, New York
Kenneth Wood
Biology Department, State University College,
14063
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70 EPA-IAG-D5-681
Sub-agreement 78-BCC
ECOLOGICAL FATE AND EFFECTS OF TRACE CONTAMINANTS FROM COAL
COMBUSTION AND PROCESSING
Objective: The objectives of this project are to (2) formulate a long-
term policy of rehabilitation of strip-mine tailings;(2) define
meteorological influence on the source of airborne contaminants from
coal-fired power plants; (3) assess the effects of localized and wide-
spread deposition of contaminants upon the ecosystems of the "air shed"
surrounding the Four Corners region; and (4) integrate several disci-
plines in a systems approach to a sensitive environment in such a way
as to mitigate the extraction, utilization, and export of resources
from the southwest region.
Results to Date: Techniques were developed and verified for sampling and an
analysis of air-borne'particulate matter as a function of particle size
under 6-stage cascade impacters and 2-stage filters. Greased impacter
slides were found necessary to collect the relatively dry air particu-
lates. Cooperative studies were conducted at UCLA, Arizona State
University, USDA, and Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory to investigate
the possible build-ups in soil and vegetation of certain trace elements
in the predominantly down-wind vector from the Four Corners Power Plant.
Lichens and lichen-substrate samples were collected from the Four Corners
region and analyzed for trace elements. Preliminary results suggest that
copper and iron concentrations may be elevated at locations near the
power plant. Elements mobilized from coal ash in alkaline solution
suggest that boron, fluorine, molybdenum and selenium should be carefully
evaluated with respect to environmental contamination. Significant up-
take of trace elements by vegetation growing in effluent channels was
indicated.
User/Customer; Resource managers, coal companies required to rehabilitate
strip-mined land, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service.
Significance to Energy Policy: The results of this research will provide a
meaningful basis for integrating the management of several resources
(i.e., water, air, soil, agriculture, wildlife, and recreation facilities)
in addition to the coal that is often viewed as the sole resource of the
region.
Principal Investigator; LaMar Johnson
Performing Organization: Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, Los Alamos,
New Mexico 87545
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71
EPA-IAG-D5-E681
Sub-agreement 78-BCC
THE DEVELOPMENT OF BIOLOGICAL INDICES FOR IDENTIFYING AND EVALUATING IMPACTS
OF POLLUTANTS ON FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
Objective; The primary objective of this work is to examine a number of major
functional processes common to most aquatic communities, with the intent of
developing and evaluating techniques for measurement of those processes in
terms of their suitability for pollution stress assessment. A secondary ob-
jective of the work will be an attempt to relate data generated by examining
functional aspects of communities with standard community structure measure-
ments .
Results to Date: Structural and functional aspects of autotrophic and heterotrophic
attached microbial communities were studied in lotic systems. A major emphasis
was placed on the development of techniques for measuring the effect of stress
on the assimilation and metabolism of carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen. Six arti-
ficial experimental streams, designed and constructed at Appalachian Power
Company on the New River in Virginia, were used to evaluate the sensitivity
of functional parameters to various energy-related pollutants (copper,
chlorine, etc.).
Protozoan invasion and extinction rates were used to assess the eutrophica-
tion process as related to energy development. Studies have been initiated
in a series of lakes in Northern Michigan which have been found to be in
various degrees of eutrophication and in Smith Mountain Lake near Roanoke,
Virginia.
Detrital processing by macroinvertebrates was used to assess the effects of
stress on community function. Three field sampling stations have been es-
tablished near the Glen Lyn Power Plant on the New River in Virginia. Obser-
vations will be correlated with changes in temperature, photoperiod, flow
regime, and timing and sequencing of the macroinvertebrate community.
Development and testing of methods to determine the functioning of plankton
communities. This sub-project is concerned with the effects of temperature,
slimicide, and physical shock on zooplankton function as affected by power
plant cooling systems. Laboratory studies and field experiments have been
started on Daphnia pulex.
User/Customer: Regulatory agencies, U, S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state
fisheries managers.
Significance to Energy Policy: Biological indicators will allow direct assess-
ment of the impacts of pollutants and energy-related effluents on living
systems, rather than relying on the extrapolation of physical and chemical
water characteristics to the health of living systems.
Principal Investigator; John Cairns
Performing Organization; Department of Biology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute,
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
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72
EPA-IAG-D5-E681
Sub-agreement 78-BCC
DISTRIBUTION, PERSISTENCE AND POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF TRACE ELEMENTS RELEASED
BY A COAL-BURNING GENERATING STATION IN THE MOHAVE DESERT
Objective: The objectives of this study are to (1) measure compartment
concentrations of selected trace elements and to (2) represent
quantitatively in multicompartment models the rates of input, accumu-
lation and transfer of these elements in and between components of
desert environments.
Results to Date; Soil samples of shrubs and annual plants, and various
species of rodents have been collected from areas near the Mohave
Generating Station. These materials were analyzed for elemental con-
tent by emission spectrography and/or atomic absorption measurements.
Densities and biomass of plant and animal populations were estimated
by conventional procedures. These latter data were combined with
chemical analyses to estimate total compartment storages or concentra-
tions. Transfers of trace elements to shrubs were evaluated in greenhouse
experiments. Rates of return of materials to the soil from plants were
measured in terms of litter fall and litter decomposition rates.
User/Customer; Regulatory agencies, environmental control technology
engineers, and officials making decisions regarding the siting of new
coal-fired power plants.
Significance to Energy Policy; The information learned about the input of
trace elements to the desert ecosystem from a coal-fired" power plant,
how these inputs are cycled within the ecosystem, and the losses of
trace elements from the system will enable better prediction of environ-
mental impacts and design of environmental control technologies.
Principal Investigator; Frederick B. Turner
Performing Organization: Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine and Radiation
Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90024
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73
EPA-IAG-D5-E681
Sub-agreement 78-BCD
STUDY OF COOLING TOWER PLUMES
Objective: In order to estimate the environmental impact of effluents from
cooling towers, it is necessary to develop and verify models of cooling
tower plume behavior. The purposes of this program are: (1) to develop
a numerical cloud growth model for single cooling tower plumes, and (2)
to study the aerodynamic influence of cooling tower geometry on a plume
and on arrays of plumes.
Results to Date: A numerical cloud growth model for application to cooling
tower plumes has been developed, and the predictions of the model have
been compared with observations taken at Chalk Point, Paradise, and
Rancho Seco cooling towers. A small meterological wind tunnel with
1 m cross section has been installed and tested. Wind tunnel studies
of multiple plume interaction and downwash at mechanical draft cooling
towers have been initiated. Studies will also be made of aerodynamic
effects at the lip of natural draft hyperbolic towers.
User/Customer: Decision makers considering the construction of power plants
in large energy centers, regulatory agencies, and engineers designing
cooling towers.
Significance to Energy Policy: This study will provide information on the
local and regional climatic effects anticipated from the operation of
large energy centers.
Principal Investigator; F. A. Gifford
Performing Organization; Atmospheric Turbulence and Diffusion Laboratory,
NOAA, P. O. Box E, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830
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74
EPA-IAG-D5-E681
Siab-agreement 78-BCD
EFFECTS OF ENTRAINMENT IN COOLING SYSTEMS ON
FISH EGGS AND LARVAE
Objective; The objective is to determine the location in a simulated power
plant condenser system where physical damage is done to small aquatic
organisms, principally fish eggs and larvae, that are entrained in cooling
water. The engineering objective is to provide design criteria for con-
denser piping and pumps that will minimize damages,
Results to Date: (1) The main tank and pump for the power plant simulator
have been received; (2) a specification package for the condenser bundle
has been developed and released for bid; (3) a workshop with pump and
condenser manufacturers, architect-engineers, and power industry
representatives was held to assure possibility of mitigating entrain-
ment damage by alteration of mechanical design features of cooling system.
User/Customer: The Electric Power Industry
Significance to Energy Policy; Intended to ameliorate one of the major impacts
of conventional nuclear power plants and coal-fired, steam-electric power
plants.
Principal Investigator; Charles C. Coutant
Performing Organization; Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge,
Tennessee 37830
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75
EPA-IAG-D5-E681
Sub-agreement 78-BCF
LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF HYDROCARBONS ON SELECTED
ECOSYSTEMS AND ASSOCIATED ORGANISMS
Objective; To provide data for prediction of potential effects of long-
term exposure to petroleum-derived hydrocarbons in the coastal ecosystem
through laboratory studies of single hydrocarbon compounds and in situ
exposure of selected coastal communities to hydrocarbon compounds.
Results to Date; Culturing methodology for 2 crustacean species has been
completed, life stages have been isolated, food mixes determined.
Culturing of benthic detritus feeders is now underway. Development
of reliable exposure system to soluble hydrocarbons is nearing completion.
Studies of transfer of hydrocarbons from sediment is underway. Reworking
of hydrocarbons in sediment by sipunculids has been determined. Prudhoe
crude was used for the hydrocarbon source and coarse sand/gravel was used
as substrate in the sediment boxes. Studies of retention time of Prudhoe
Bay crude in 5 different sediment types have now been underway for five
months. Periodically sediment samples are being taken for analysis.
User/Customer; Federal, state and local regulatory personnel.
Significance to Energy Policy; Siting of petroleum pumping terminals with
minimum perturbation to sensitive marine ecosystems.
Principal Investigator: C. I. Gibson and J. R. Banderhorst
Performing Organization; Batelle-Pacific Northwest Laboratory, Richland,
Washington 99352
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76
EPA-IAG-D5-E681
Sub-agreement 78-BCF
TRANSPORT AND DISPERSION OF REFINERY WASTES
IN FRESHWATER COASTAL REGIONS
Objective; (1) To develop methods for tagging and tracing refinery
wastes discharged to fresh coastal water; (2) to apply these methods
to specific, contaminated coastal waters; (3) to develop and verify
a numerical model that will permit prediction of the transport and
dispersion of such oily wastes. .
Results to Date; A sampling system has been designed with the following
characteristics: (1) a towed sampling chain which can draw water
samples from five depths simultaneously; (2) a pump-manifold system
for on-board collection of the water samples; (3) a specialized "sur-
face-skimmer" for drawing surface samples; (4) a continuous-flow
fluorometer for indicating the region to be sampled (dye is dispersed
with the Sm tracer), and (5) a plotting system interfaced with the
Mini-ranger for real-time positioning. Floating-plume experiments
have been conducted using fluorescent dyes and oily wastes, with
sampling carried out for 10 hours.
User/Customer: U.S. EPA and State EPAs involved with setting of effluent
standards and enforcement of regulations on refinery wastewater emissions;
government, industrial, and academic ecological researchers; and water
filtration plant managers whose plants are in the vicinity of oil
refineries.
Significance to Energy Policy; Useful for siting decisions for oil
refineries on freshwater bodies. Transport and dispersion model will
be of use in siting studies for offshore drilling rigs to be used in
the Great Lakes.
Principal Investigator: Wyman Harrison
Performing Organization: Argonne National Laboratory
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EPA-IAG-D5-E681
Sub-agreement 78-BCF
BASELINE DATA ON BENTHIC COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN THE SANTA BARBARA CHANNEL
OIL LEASE AREA AND THE EFFECTS OF DRILLING MUDS ON OFFSHORE BENTHOS
Objective^ The objective of this study is to augment the existing data
base concerning temporal variation in benthic communities in the Santa
Barbara Channel Oil Lease Area and to determine the effect of drilling
muds on selected benthic organisms.
Results to Date; For this project, natural oil seeps in the Santa Barbara
Channel have been utilized to characterize interaction of crude oil
and marine communities. Detailed benthic sampling by diver-operated
coring devices in a shallow water oil seep near Goleta, California,
has been used to assess benthic community composition. A nearby non-
seep station at a similar depth has been likewise sampled. The benthic
community is being quantitatively characterized, supported by physical-
chemical data on grain size, bottom topography and hydrocarbon composition.
A diverse infaunal benthic community has been found in the seep. There
are about 15% more species and twice as many individuals as in the non-
seep station. Community structure is basically the same, but those
populations showing ,the greatest increases are deposit feeders.
User/Custome r; Bureau of Land Management, regulatory agencies, and state
officials concerned with the effects of off-shore drilling on fisheries
and marine ecosystems.
Significance to Energy Policy: This study will provide information on the
degree to which organisms can survive the burial of released drilling
mud and the subsequent recovery of the area. This project attempts to
make realistic measurements of the effects of outer continental shelf
oil extrac tion.
Principal Investigator: R. B. Spies
Performing Organization; Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, Biomedical and
Environmental Research Division, P. O. Box 808, Livermore, California
94550
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Environmental Research Lab/Bears Bluff Field Station
Isolation and Study of Chloro-organics
Resulting from Chlorination of Seawater 85
Field Investigation of Chlorinated and Brominated
Organic Compounds Formed in Saline Power
Cooling Waters 86
Sublethal Effects of Chlorine on Marine Vascular
and Decapod Crustaceans 87
Athens Environmental Research Laboratory
Energy Related Solid Waste and Effluent Water
Measurement and Analysis 88
Stanford Research Institute 89
Fate of Arsenic in Aquatic Systems 90
Gulf Breeze Environmental Research Laboratory
Determine Toxicity to Marine Organisms of
Petrochemicals and Energy-Related Organic
Solvents Derived from Offshore Activities
and Ocean Dumping 91
Assess the Hazards of Human Exposure to Organic
Chemicals Which Reach Man Through Bioconcentration
in the Food Chain of the Marine Environment 92
Corvallis Environmental Research Laboratory
Effects of S02 and Other Coal-Fired Power Plant
Emissions on Producer, Invertebrate Consumer, and
Decomposer Structure and Function in a S.E.
Montana Grassland 93
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Corvallis Environmental Research Laboratory
Effects of Coal-Fired Power Plant Emissions on
Plant Disease and on Plant-Fungus and Plant-
Insect Systems 94
Lichens as Predictors and Indicators of Air
Pollution from Coal-Fired Power Plants 95
Effects of Coal-Fired Power Plant Emissions on Plant
Community Structure 96
The Characterization of Power Plant Emission-
Aerosals 97
The Characterization of Gaseous Power-Plant
Emissions 98
Effects of Non-Gaseous Airborne Pollutants from
Coal-Fired Power Plants on Plant Growth
and Metabolism 99
Effect of Heat and Vapor Plumes from Large
Scale Cooling Systems 100
Assessment of the Effects of Bottom Disturbance
on the Environment of a Clear Subarctic Stream 101
Oil Spills: Effect on Arctic Lake Systems 102
Crude Oil Fate and Effects on Permafrost Terrain .... 103
Alaskan Oil Seeps: Their Chemical and Biological
Effects on the Intertidal Environment 104
Modification of the Optimized EPRF Multi-Layer
Hydrodynamical-Numerical (HN) Model 105
Chlorinated Compounds in Coastal Power Plant
Cooling Waters 106
Subtidal Survey of the Strait of Magellan
in the Vicinity of the Me tula Oil Spill 107
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Environmental Research Laboratory-Narragansett, Rhode Island
Dynamics of Energy Related Pollutants in Marine
Systems 108
Impacts of Pollutants from Petroleum Extraction,
Refineries, and Fossil Fuel Utilization 109
Thermal Effects of Energy Utilization in
Combination with Other Pollutant Stresses 110
Environmental Research Laboratory- Ada , Oklahoma
Evaluation of Existing Ground-Water Basin
Management Models ................... Ill
Mineralogy of Overburden Related to Ground-Water
Degradation in Strip Mining of Coal .......... 112
Duluth Environmental Research Laboratory
Static Coal Storage Biologic and Chemical Effects
on the Aquatic Environment .............. 113
Organic Leaching and Particulate Dispersion
from Coal ....................... 114
The Impact of Coal-Fired Power Plants on the
Environment
Continuous Flow Bioassays Using Natural PeriPhyton
Communities with Emphasis on the Effects of
Coal Leachate ..................... 116
Toxic Effects on the Aquatic Biota from Coal and
Oil Shale Development
Limnological Investigations of Water Quality and
Fish Larvae in Lake Erie (Estimation of the Impact
of Fish Larval Entrainment through Power Plants
on Western Lake Erie) ................. 118
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Internal Projects Interagency Energy Program
OEA #la - Water Quality Monitoring - Colorado 119
OEA ttlb - Water Quality Monitoring - Colorado 120
OEA #2a - Surface Water Quality Monitoring -
Montana 121
OEA #3a - Water Quality Monitoring - North Dakota .... 122
OEA #4a - Water Quality Monitoring - Utah 123
OEA #5a - Surface Water Quality Monitoring -
Wyoming 124
OEA #5b - Surface Water Quality Monitoring -
Wyoming 125
OEA #6 - Water Quality Prediction Model 126
OEA #7 - Water Quality Effects on East
Poplar River - Montana 127
OEA #8 - Survey of Invertebrate Populations -
North Dakota 128
OEA #9 - Evaluation of the Effects of Reduced
Water Flows - Utah 129
OEA #10 - Methodology for Predicting Effects of.
Reduced Stream Flow 130
OEA #11 - Air Quality Data Collection - Colorado 131
OEA #12a - Air Quality Data Collection-Wyoming 132
OEA #12b - Air Quality Network - Montana 133
OEA #13 - Air Quality Monitoring - North Dakota 134
OEA # 14 - Air Quality Monitoring - South Dakota .... 135
OEA #15 - Air Quality Monitoring - Utah 135
OEA #16 - Air Monitoring Network - Wyoming 137
OEA #17 - Background Air Quality and Meteorological
Data Requisition - Montana 138
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Internal Projects Interagency Energy Program
OEA #18 - Guidelines for Estimating Soil
Loss from Mining 139
OEA #19a - Environmental Ranking of Leased
Coal Lands 140
OEA #19b - Surface Drainage Mapping of Coal
Areas - Montana 141
OEA #21 - Design on Energy Development Monitoring
System - Region VIII 142
OEA #22 - Testing and Adapting a Methodology
to Meaure In-Stream Values - Montana 143
OEA #23 - Impacts of Energy Development Activities
Northern Great Plains 144
OEA #24 - Impacts of Energy Development
Northern Great Plains 145
OEA #25 - Air Quality Monitoring - Utah 146
OEA #26 - Shallow Ground Waters Impacted
by Mining - Colorado 147
OEA #27 - Quantify Shallow Ground Water
Discharge - Tongue River 148
OEA #28 - Chemical Measurement of Ground
Water - North Dakota 149
OEA #29a - Ground Waters Impacted by Oil Shale 150
OEA #29b - Oil and Gas Well Emissions - Region VIII . . . 151
OEA #31 - Abundance and Distribution of Fish
in Poplar River 152
OEA #32 - Synthetic Fuel Process Emissions - Colorado . . 153
OEA #35 - Groundwater Impact of Dissolved Materials
in Wastewater Ponds 154
OEA #45 - Non-Point Source Pollution Monitoring
for Oil Shale Areas 155
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Grant No. R 803993
ISOLATION AND STUDY OF CHLORO-ORGANICS RESULTING FROM
CHLORINATION OF SEAWATER
Objective; Identify the halo-organics/inorganics resulting from chlorination
of marine waters in the form of an inventory of chemical species.
Results to Date: Setup of CG-MS for large volume analyses.
Summary paper: Chemistry of Halogens in Seawater - 1976.
Carpenter, J. H. and D. L. Macalady in Proc. Conf.
Environmental Impact of Water Chlorination, EPA/ERDA/Oak Ridge
National Laboratory. Conf. 751096.
Research Discovery: Sunlight Induced Bromate Formation in
Chlorinated Seawater. (In Press) Macalady, D. L. and H. H. Carpenter;
submitted to Science.
Research Discovery: lodate as an unexpected interfering oxidant in
amperometric titration determinations of wxidants in seawater.
Preliminary identification of brominated hydrocarbons resulting from
chlorination of natural seawater.
User/Customer; Verifies needs to seek, extract and identify brominated
hydrocarbons from marine organisms to assess potential impact upon
wildlife and man's resources. Additionally, it underscores a need
for new methods of chemical detection, and reexamination of needs and
applied technology of chlorination, biocide practices in power genera-
ting plants. The immediate user is the scientist/ecologist; second is
the power companies through E.P.R.I. (Electric Power Research Institute)
both of which are receiving results and participating in workshops.
Significance to Energy Policy; Continued expansion of power generation in
coastal marine habitats must be carefully examined, and site selection
must include thorough review of needs for and application of biocide
and antifouling chemicals. New substitutes such as Iron-5 must be
scrutinized and examined as quickly as possible.
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Grant No. R 803839
FIELD INVESTIGATION OF CHLORINATED AND BROMINATED ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
FORMED IN SALINE POWER COOLING WATERS
Objective: This study set out to verify bromination as a result of seawater
chlorination and to adapt sensitive laboratory detection techniques to
insitu field measurements to identify potential brominated compounds.
Additionally, add-on funds provided for a successful workshop/conference
held at Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (March 1976) to discuss chemical
and biological effects of seawater chlorination.
Results to Date; Laboratory techniques have been field-tested on a low salinity
discharge canal from a Chesapeake tributary power plant. Trihalomethanes
(CHCla, CHBR3 and CHBR2C1) have been detected in appreciable concentra-
tions (parts per billion range).
The immediate results of the workshop: A rapid update and exchange of
bench level scientific knowledge of techniques, results, and needs.
For EPA it represented an instant read-out on the state of the art
both nationally and internationally- It allowed for considerable improve-
ment of technique for at least one project in terms of techniques and
results (not among the ones reported here). Likewise, it brought
researchers, power utilities, EPRI and some decision makers squarely
to the scientific problems which exist in chlorination of marine waters.
User/Customer: As above.
Significance to Energy Policy; See Grant R 803993 (p. 73)
Performing Organization: University of Maryland
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Grant No. R 803872
SUBLETHAL EFFECTS OF CHLORINE ON MARINE VASCULAR PLANTS AND
DECAPOD CRUSTACEANS
Objective; To amplify the inhouse capabilities of bioassays of marine
estuarine organisms, especially to invertebrate organisms (SPECIAL
NOTE: Vascular plants were dropped due to real problems of identifi-
cation of halo-organics and lack of significance of residual oxidants
per se). Additionally, the region, and salinities at VIMS are
different from those at BBFS.
Results to Date; Toxicity of residual oxidants to larvae of several species
of decapod larvae is being established. Additionally, a serum test
using the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) is being perfected, and
shows no response to chlorination (in distinct contrast to fishes).
These data are significant since an important hypothesis involving
chlorination impact revolves around the differing methods of osmoregu-
lation between invertebrates and vertebrates. Additional work on
bivalves (Mulinia) is underway.
User/Customer: The scientific basis for determination of chlorination
effects, and potential long-range impacts is distinctly advanced by
the results of this work. In addition this grantee is performing
bromine chloride bioassays for NSF RAND and has been unable to distinguish
any difference in toxicity to test organisms. This is highly significant
to all users in search for alternative biocides.
Performing Organization; Virginia Institute of Marine Science
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OEMI-EHE 625
ENERGY RELATED SOLID WASTE AND EFFLUENT WATER MEASUREMENT
AND ANALYSIS
Objective: To identify and measure chemical elements and organic compounds
in solid and liquid wastes from energy activities. Elemental analyses
will cover all naturally occurring elements except C, H, N, O, and the
six rare gases. Organic compounds amenable to analysis by combined gas
chromatography-mass spectrometry will be specifically identified and
quantitated.
Results to Date: The contractor has prepared a state-of-the-art summary to
plan sampling and analyses to fill gaps in existing information and to
avoid duplication of effort. An analytical protocol was developed and
used to analyze organic compounds in effluents from a commercial in-
situ oil shale gasification experiment, a coal gasification/electrical
generation experiment, and an in-situ coal gasification experiment.
Chemical elements in the same samples were measured with spark source
mass spectrometry.
User/Customer: ERDA, EPA Regional labs, OTS, ORD-OEMI
Significance to Energy Policy: The information developed through this
contract is essential to: (1) permit development of monitoring techniques;
(2) evaluate potential hazards of energy-related activities; (3) develop
applicable treatment methods and determine their efficiencies; (4) determine
pollutant transport mechanisms; and (5) specify pollutants that may be
degraded or transformed.
Principal Investigator; Edo Pellizzari
Performing Organization: Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle
Park, NC (Note: Research Triangle Institute is conducting research
with FY-75 funds awarded through a contract in late November 1975. A
new three-year contract that is currently being negotiated will use
FY-76-78 funds).
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Contract #68-03-2227
Objective: The objective of this task was to postulate the environmental fate
of potential energy-related pollutants in aquatic systems. The approach
involves laboratory measurement of chemical, microbiological, physical,
and photochemical rates. The rate data and physical properties are then
evaluated in a simple aquatic system model to predict distribution and
probable transport or degradative pathways and life times. Compounds
which are being examined include p-cresol, quinoline, benzo(a)pyrene,
benzothiophene, dibenzcarbazole, carbazole, 3, 4-benzacridine, and acradine.
All laboratory work is completed for p-cresol and quinoline, and approxi-
mately 85% completed for benzothiophene.
Results to Date; The reports on these three materials are past due but should
be completed by November 1.
Significance to Energy Policy: This research has significance for two primary
reasons. First, it is an approach that offers a possibility of per-
mitting at least a crude assessment of environmental fate when field data
is unavailable. The success of this remains to be seen. Secondly, it is
providing much useful data on specific compounds that are of great concern
as pollutants in coal conversion processes.
If there is even minor success with this approach to predicting pollutant
behavior, the approach should have considerable utility as an energy
impact assessment tool.
Performing Organization: Stanford Research Institute
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Grant #804881-01
FATE OF ARSENIC IN AQUATIC SYSTEMS
Objective; The fate and transport of arsenic in the Menominee River at
the entrance to Green Bay will be evaluated. The objectives out-
lined in this project are: (1) To obtain a total mass balance of
arsenic by describing the net atmospheric depositional input, sedi-
mentation, resuspension rates, and convective transport; (2) to
elucidate the major controlling mechanisms for arsenic in this and
other aquatic ecosystems.
Results to Date; The funding of this grant is effective October 15, 1976,
and consequently, no results are available yet.
User/Customer; Data from this study will be used in developing predictive
mathematical models for the fate and transport of arsenic in the
environment. It will provide knowledge required to set standards
for point source pollution control. Methods of chemical analysis
developed in speciation studies will be of value in monitoring and
surveillance programs. The data will be used by pesticide programs in
accessing the behavior of arsenical pesticides.
Significance to Energy Policy: The anthropogenic input of arsenic into the
environment is acute. Increased consumption of coal, the use of geo-
thermal spring water, and increased mining for energy sources release
arsenic into the atmosphere and aquatic systems. The results of this
project will define the parameters which the fate and transport of
arsenicals in the environment.
Performing Organization: University of Wisconsin
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#625-A-2
DETERMINE TOXICITY TO MARINE ORGANISMS OF PETROCHEMICALS AND ENERGY-
RELATED ORGANIC SOLVENTS DERIVED FROM OFFSHORE ACTIVITIES AND OCEAN DUMPING
Objective; Determine toxic effects of chemicals used in offshore petro-
chemical extraction on marine organisms and coummunities.
Results to Date; Static and flowthrough bioassays on crustaceans and teleost
fish have revealed accumulation and toxicity of commercial products
used as components of drilling muds.
Results indicate that standard 96-hour Ig 50 tests on drilling mud
components were not as sensitive as bioassays on animals at specific
life-cycle stages for extended time periods. Therefore, extensive work
was undertaken to improve methodology.
Studies designed to measure effects of chlorinated phenols on estuarine
settling communities showed effects on total numbers and species diversity
in the macrofauna, meiofauna and bacteria. A second community study has
been completed on drilling mud weighting agents. Results are now being
analyzed.
User/Customer; U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management,
Coast and Geodetic Survey, Energy Research and Development Administration,
EPA Office of Federal Activities.
Significance to Energy Policy; Completion of the laboratory phase of this sub-
objective and field verification of the effects research could improve
our ability to assess the impact of offshore oil extraction and explora-
tion practices.
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#AP 626 F-l
ASSESS THE HAZARDS OF HUMAN EXPOSURE TO ORGANIC CHEMICALS WHICH REACH
MAN THROUGH BIOCONCENTRATION IN THE FOOD CHAIN OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT
Objective: Determine the potential for carcinogens to accumulate in the
marine food web with emphasis on seafoods consumed by man.
Results to Date; (1) Methods have been developed for the chemical analysis
of carcinogens from tissues of marine animals; (2) accumulation of chrysine
has been demonstrated in protozoa, annelids, and shellfish; (3) simu-
lated estuarine weathering of shale oil fractions revealed chemical
modification of the oil; (4) photochemical degradation products of PNAS
have been isolated and the structure of the degradation products is now
being proven by synthesis.
User/Customer; U. S. Coast Guard, ERDA, Food and Drug Administration.
Significance to Energy Policy: This program is designed to provide an analysis
of the potential for carcinogens from shale oil derived fuels to accumu-
late in the estuarine environment. The program provides information on
weathering potential for accumulation by trophic levels, and an analysis
of the fate of carcinogens found in shale oil. Successful completion of
the program will provide assessment of the potential for human exposure
due to consumption of seafood. This research output could be a factor
in policy decisions regarding the use of shale oil, location and harvest
of shellfish and other seafoods from waters polluted with carcinogens,
and acceptable levels of oil pollution from point sources.
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EFFECTS OF SO2 AND OTHER COAL-FIRED POWER PLANT EMISSIONS ON PRODUCER,
INVERTEBRATE CONSUMER, AND DECOMPOSER STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION IN A S.E.
MONTANA GRASSLAND
Objective; (1) Baseline monitoring of farm grassland study sites near the coal-
fired power plant at Colstrip MT; (2) Characterization of seasonal biomass
dynamics of the producer and invertebrate consumer components of each
of these sites; (3) Characterization of seasonal biomass dynamics of the
producer and invertebrate consumer components of field sites experimentally
stressed by SO2 fumigation; (4) Adaptation of the Natural Resource Ecology
Laboratory's ELM model to the grassland types discussed in previous objec-
tives.
Results to Date: Producer and invertebrate consumer biomass dynamics measure-
ments are complete. ELM model adaptation is in progress.
User/Customer; Primarily the scientific community, the Colstrip, Montana
CFPP, power plant siting managers, and groups concerned with impact predic-
tion and assessment. Two interim reports have been published.
Significance to Energy Policy; Will contribute to an impact assessment protocol
for the Northern Great Plains and will increase our understanding of and
ability to predict the environmental effects of chronic pollution from coal-
fired power plants.
Principal Investigator; J. Dodd
Performing Organization; NREL - Fort Collins, CO
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EFFECTS OF COAL-FIRED POWER PLANT EMISSIONS ON PLANT DISEASE AND ON
PLANT-FUNGUS AND PLANT-INSECT SYSTEMS
Objective; To establish baseline levels of (1) fungal populations (both
beneficial and pathogenic); (2) insect populations (both beneficial
and destructive); (3) the sulfur and fluoride concentrations within
selected species of indigenous vegetation of the Colstrip area;
(4) the chemistry of the area's precipitation; and (5) the growth of
the predominant coniferous species, ponderosa pine.
Results to Date; Tasks 1-4 are complete for baseline years and preliminary
data summaries are available.
User/Customer; Primarily the scientific community, the Colstrip, Montana
CFPP, power plant siting managers, and groups concerned with impact
assessment and prediction. Two interim reports have been published.
Significance to Energy Policy: Will contribute to an impact assessment
protocol for the Northern Great Plains and will increase our under-
standing of and ability to predict the environmental effects of chronic
pollution from coal-fired power plants.
Principal Investigator: C. C. Gordon
Performing Organization: University of Montana, Missoula
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LICHENS AS PREDICTORS AND INDICATORS OF AIR POLLUTION FROM COAL-FIRED
POWER PLANTS.
Objective: Principal objectives are to: (1) establish secure field and
laboratory baseline information on these two lichens (Parmelia
chlorochroa and Usnea hirta) so that effects of chronic S02 challenge
may be determined; (2) compare relative sensitivities of lichens,
native grasses and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa); and, (3) assess
changes in population or community structure that may result from the
power plant emissions. Control data were recorded during the summer •
of 1974 and during the spring of 1975.
Results to Date; A direct relationship has been shown between lichen
vitality and level of exposure to S02 at chronic levels between 2 and
8 pphm.
User/Customer: Primarily the scientific community, the Colstrip, Montana
CFPP, power plant siting managers, and groups concerned with impact
assessment and prediction. Two interim reports have been published.
Significance to Energy Policy; Will contribute to an impact assessment
protocol for the Northern Great Plains and will increase our under-
standing of and ability to predict the environmental effects of chronic
pollution from coal-fired power plants.
Principal Investigator; Sharon Eversman
Performing Organization; Montana State University, Bozeman
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EFFECTS OF COAL-FIRED POWER PLANT EMISSIONS ON PLANT COMMUNITY
STRUCTURE
Objective; (1) Document pre-treatment native plant communities in areas
likely to be affected by the power plants under investigation and
on areas to be stressed artificially with pollutants; (2) develop
measurement techniques and monitor changes in plant community structure,
diversity, phenology, and speciation following air pollution stress;
(3) develop detailed vegetation maps of the study areas; (4) provide
data for simulation models to predict bioenvironmental changes resulting
from fossil fuel power generation in other areas.
Results to Date: Objectives 1 and 2 are essentially complete. Tasks 3 and
4 are in progress.
User/Customer: Primarily the scientific community, the Colstrip, Montana
CFPP, power plant siting managers, and groups concerned with impact
assessment and prediction. Two interim reports have been published.
Significance to Energy Policy: Will contribute to an impact assessment proto-
col for the Northern Great Plains and will increase our understanding
of and ability to predict the environmental effects of chronic pollution
from coal-fired power plants.
Principal Investigator; John E. Taylor
Performing Organization; Montana State University, Bozeman
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THE CHARACTERIZATION OP POWER PLANT EMISSION-AEROSALS
Objective; Characterization of particulate pollution in the vicinity of
Colstrip, MT. Measurements include concentrations of particulates,
solar radiation, and standard meteorlogical variables.
Results to Date: Particulates have been categorized by size, shape, and
chemical constitution. The rate at which solar energy reaches the
earth as a function of wavelength has been related to particulate
loading and changes in cloud cover.
User/Customer: Primarily the scientific community, the Colstrip Montana,
CFPP, power plant siting managers, and groups concerned with impact
assessment and prediction. One interim report has been published.
Significance to Energy Policy: Will contribute to an impact assessment
protocol for the Northern Great Plains and will increase our under-
standing of and ability to predict the environmental effects of
chronic pollution from coal-fired power plants.
Principal Investigator:, Vernon Derr
Performing Organization; NOAA, Boulder, CO
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THE CHARACTERIZATION OF GASEOUS POWER-PLANT EMISSIONS
Objective; To characterize temporal patterns in gaseous air pollutants in
the vicinity of Colstrip, MT.
Results to Date; Temporal patterns in baseline levels for S02/ NO2, NO, NOX,
CO, CO2, CH4, RCH3, 03 particulates and standard meteorlogical variables
have been characterized.
User/Customer; Primarily the scientific community, the Colstrip, Montana
CFPP, siting managers, and groups concerned with impact assessment
and prediction.
Significance to Energy Policy; Will contribute to an impact assessment
protocol for the Northern Great Plains and will increase our understanding
of and ability to predict the environmental effects of chronic pollution
from coal-fired power plants.
Principal Investigator: R. Rancetelli
Performing Organization: Energy Research and Development Administration
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EFFECTS OF NON-GASEOUS AIRBORNE POLLUTANTS FROM COAL-FIRED POWER PLANTS
ON PLANT GROWTH AND METABOLISM
Objective; To identify physiological and biochemical processes in plants
which can serve as specific indicators or predictors of stress or
damage induced by heavy metal toxicants (predominantly Hg) from coal-
fired power plants, and to elucidate effects of these metals on
specific processes.
Results to Date; Preliminary experiments are in progress. A final report
will be available in October 1977.
User/Customer; Primarily the scientific community and groups concerned with
assessment of power plant impacts.
Significance to Energy Policy; Of potential value in the establishment of
criteria and the assessment of biological impacts of non-gaseous
pollutants from coal-fired power plants.
Principal Investigate];; Edward R. Landa
Performing Organization; Oregon State University, Corvallis
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AP# EHE625A, SO #4
EFFECT OF HEAT AND VAPOR PLUMES FROM LARGE SCALE
COOLING SYSTEMS
Objective; Evaporative cooling towers are used as an alternative to once-
through cooling to eliminate thermal pollution of waters. However,
side effects from cooling towers could result in adverse environmental
effects. These include atmospheric fogging, local road icing and
ground level deposition of salt nuclei. The objective is to provide
a working model and workbook to assess such impact using a conbination
of laboratory experiments, field measurements and analytical methods.
Results to Date;
Shirazi, M. A. and Tichenor, B. A., Cooling Tower Plume Research
U.S. EPA. (A comprehensive, ten-year, summary research report on
the subject is also submitted.)
Winiarski, L. D. and Tichenor, B. A. "Model of Natural Draft Cooling
Tower Performance". Journal of the Sanitary Engineering, ASCE
96(54): pp. 927-943. 1970.
Winiarski, L. D., Frick, W. F. and Tichenor, B. A. Cooling Tower
Plume Measurements. International Conference on Environmental
Sensing and Assessment. Las Vegas, Nevada. September 1975. To be
published by IEEE.
Winiarski, L. D. and Frick, W. F. Cooling Tower Plume Model. Ecological
Research Series. 1976. (To be published)
Davis, L. F. Analysis of Multiple Cell Mechanical Draft Cooling Towers.
Ecological Research Series, EPA-660/3-75-039. June 1975.
Winiarski, L. D., Frick, W. F. Field Measurements of Cooling Tower Plumes.
Ecological Research Series. (To be published)
User/Customer; (1) Electric utilities; (2) private consultants; (3) EPA's
research and regional offices; (4) other research organizations. These
users need the results for preparation and assessment of environmental
impact of cooling towers for energy production.
Significance to Energy Policy: As a conventional alternative to once-through
cooling in electric power generation, cooling tower, performance, cost
and environmental effects become a significant part of the energy problem.
If demonstrated that in water short areas where towers are economical but
also cause negligible atmospheric and terrestrial impact, then their
use becomes proportionately more attractive. Thus an answer is provided
in the preparation of impact statements.
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101
ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF BOTTOM DISTURBANCE ON THE ENVIRONMENT OF
A CLEAR SUBARCTIC STREAM
Objective; The objective of this study is to determine what happens to the
stream environment when the bottom is disturbed by construction
activities, such as are involved in stream crossings of the TransAlaska
pipeline. Changes occurring in water chemistry, bottom gravels, fish
populations, benthic invertebrates, organic drift, and primary produc-
tivity will be determined by stream studies before and after a distur-
bance .
Results to Date: Pre-construction baseline conditions were established during
1975. Intensive sampling continued through the construction phase of
the pipeline crossing of the Chatanika River near Fairbanks, Alaska,
during the late winter of 1975-76. Subsequently, laboratory analysis of
samples and post-construction monitoring for more long-term effects are
in progress.
User/Customer; The results of this study will provide environmental managers
with the type of information required to determine the impact of pipe-
line crossings of Alaskan streams, and aid in determining what steps
must be taken to minimize the impact.
Significance to Energy Policy: These results will have little or no impact
on construction of the present pipeline. However, additional pipelines
are already under consideration so this information will be valuable in
determining and minimizing the impact of future stream crossings.
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102
OIL SPILLS: EFFECT ON ARCTIC LAKE SYSTEMS
Objective; The objective of this project is to investigate the potential
effects of an oil spill on a large arctic lake. The principle effort
of the research is to carry out an experimental spill and to observe
the impact and recovery. Initially, a pre-spill baseline study will
be done on the proposed site. Controlled small-scale laboratory and
field experiments also will be carried out on specific organisms or
processes. Emphasis will be on the analysis of ecosystem function in
order to broaden the applicability of the results to other high latitude
aquatic environments.
Results to Date: The study site was selected during the summer of 1975, and
is in the Toolik Lake area near the pipeline, 129 road miles south of
Prudhoe Bay. The lake is 650 meters by 350 meters with the major axis
oriented north-south.
Characterization of the pre-spill baseline conditions was begun during
the 1975 summer field season, with some sampling continuing through
the winter months. At the same time, climatological data was being
collected with one of the specific interests being to obtain wind frequency
distributions. At the start of the summer field season in 1976, inten-
sive pre-spill baseline characterization of the physical and chemical
parameters, primary producers, zooplankton, benthos, bacteria, and fish
was begun. Concurrently, small-scale bioassay experiments were started
to assess the toxic effects of oil on phytoplankton, benthic algae of
the littoral zone, aquatic mosses, and zooplankton.
A portion of the lake was enclosed within a 300-foot long oil contain-
ment boom having a vertical skirt tightly sealed to the lake bottom.
In mid-July, crude oil was placed on the water surface within the boom
at a dose rate of 0.2 l/m3 of water. This was followed by intensive
physical, chemical and biological examination for the rest of the summer
season. The containment boom with the enclosed oil has been left in
place for the winter and subsequent summer season for further study of
various parameters.
User/Customer; The data base will provide environmental managers with an
'understanding that will permit them to make cleanup and containment
decisions with some degree of confidence.
Significance to Energy Policy; This study will provide an extensive data
base on what can be potentially expected to occur when oil enters lakes
under cold climate conditions.
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CRUDE OIL FATE AND EFFECTS ON PERMAFROST TERRAIN
Objective: The objective was to evaluate the effect of hot crude oil
spilled on an undisturbed permafrost tiaga terrain in interior Alaska
through determination of the process of oil fractionation and breakdown
with time, the thermal effects on the permafrost soil mantle, effects on
vegetation, and changes in microbial functions.
Results to Date; During 1975, 50-meter long by 10-meter wide plots were laid out
for oil application and controls. Instrumentation was installed to measure
thermal response, permafrost degradation, and oil movement. Concurrently,
pre-spill site characterization included vegetation, soil, and micro-
biological analyses.
Spills were conducted in February and July 1976 on separate plots by
applying 7570 liters (2000 gallons) of hot crude oil (60 C) across a
5-meter wide front at the upper edge of the respective plots. The oil
was applied rapidly to simulate a pipeline break. Subsequent to each
spill, the thermal response, permafrost degradation, and oil movement
have been monitored weekly. Analysis of the impact on the vegetation,
and microbial response is continuing.
User/Customer; The results of this study will provide environmental managers
with information needed to make decisions on the speed and extent to
which such spills must be cleaned up in this type of terrestrial environ-
ment.
Significance to Energy Policy; Since the TransAlaska pipeline and future
pipelines in Alaska will cross extensive areas of permafrost terrain,
the results will provide an evaluation of the impact of spills during
summer and winter.
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104
ALASKAN OIL SEEPS: THEIR CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS ON THE INTERTIDAL
ENVIRONMENT
Objective; The objective of this project is to relate a defined chronic input
of petroleum in an intertidal environment to biological changes at the
organism and community levels, specifically the more subtle and less
obvious changes that may be associated with a low level chronic oil
pollution source.
Results to Date; An extensive investigation of two potential study areas
receiving a low level chronic oil input from natural seeps with nearby
areas having no input was conducted during 1975. The investigation con-
sisted of obtaining biological and chemical samples with subsequent
laboratory analysis to ascertain the degree of similarity between oil
impacted and control areas. A suitable study area was selected near
Oily Bay in lower Cooke Inlet.
During 1976, an intensive biological and chemical field study focusing
on the species and communities of primary producers and sessile organisms
considered the most relevant to the objectives of the study was conducted.
These field investigations will be continued and extended in 1977.
The small clam, Macoma balthica, was selected for in vitro study because
it grows in the intertidal areas and mud flats, is ubiquitous, and is a
prey item for birds. The laboratory study currently in progress is
examining low level «lmg/l) chronic input to determine what physiological
train will indicate oil pollution.
User/Customer; The data obtained during this study will provide environmental
managers with the means to interpret the impact of chronic oil applica-
tion in the intertidal environment.
Significance to Energy Policy: This data base will: (1) provide identifica-
tion of estuarine populations that are sensitive and resistant to
chronic low-level oil input; (2) provide identification of species,
functions, or other parameters that may serve as indicators or monitors
of oil pollution; (3) increase knowledge about the impact of oil on
estuarine environments in the Gulf of Alaska, an area that is now little
studied but slated for oil development.
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105
MODIFICATION OF THE OPTIMIZED EPRF MULTI-LAYER
HYDRODYNAMICAL-NUMERICAL (HN) MODEL
Objective; To provide a multi-layer, two-dimensional (horizontal)
numerical model of coastal circulation and temperature resulting
from discharge of heated effluents by coastal power plants.
Specifically: (1) Incorporate convective terms in the original
model; (2) provide capability for handling variable land boundaries
(tide flats); (3) provide for addition of thermal advection effects;
(4) develop a MonteCarlo procedure to compute dispersion of sub-
stances; (5) convert a phase of the program to be compatible with
a machine at Corvallis; (6) test tasks 1 to 4 on San Onofre nuclear
power station (California) data.
Results to Date: Tasks 1 to 4 are essentially complete; a user's manual and
final report are in preparation. All phases appear to be working
correctly. Parts of the work are presently being used by the Project
Officer in a NOAA/BLM grant related to oil exploration on the Arctic
Coast. '•
User/Customer: The immediate user is the Project Officer. An annual report
using some of the results has been published:
Dallaway, R.K., and C. Koblinsky. 1976. "Transport of pollutants in
the vicinity of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska." Pp. 427-456 in Environmental
Assessment of the Alaskan Continental Shelf. Vol. II. Physical
Oceanography and Meteorology- U.S. Dept. Commerce/U.S. Dept. Interior.
A copy of the program was < sent to the Savannah ERDA laboratory at
their request. The final report and users' manual will make the model
available to users throughout the U.S. and foreign countries. It has
already been of use to Alaskan officials regarding the effect of the
large ARCO wharf on circulation in Prudhoe Bay. Additionally, USGS
researchers have made use of the annual report results in placing current
meters and in interpretation of their results.
Significance to Energy Policy: The model can simulate conservative and non-
conservative pollutant movement and dispersion, the influence of offshore
construction, and the effects of various environmental conditions in
addition to its initial use in studying heat pollution problems. There-
fore, the use of the project can extend to managers and decision makers
and to scientists (see remarks under "Users" for examples) .
Principal Investigator: R. J. Callaway, Research Oceanographer, CERL
Performing Organization: Compass Systems, Inc., San Diego, California
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CHLORINATED COMPOUNDS IN COASTAL
POWER PLANT COOLING WATERS
Objective; (1) To determine the fate of chlorine used as a biocide in
coastal power plant cooling waters; (2) to determine the level and
general nature of chlorine-containing compounds produced in power plant
cooling water effluent discharging into estuarine and coastal water
environments; (3) under laboratory conditions that simulate the natural
receiving environment: to determine the persistence of any significant
compounds with and without dechlorination treatment prior to discharge.
Results to Date (Through Third Quarter, July 1976) (Final report not available
as of November 3, 1976): Five Pacific Gas and Electric Company power
plants (Potrero, Hunters Point, Pittsburg, Contra Costa in" the San Francisco
Bay system, and Moss Landing on Monterey Bay) were surveyed for operational
data, and the cooling waters were sampled at various locations throughout
the systems. Samples were analyzed for free available and combined residual
chlorine, NH3~N, total N, soluble N, chloride, bromide, and suspended solids.
Analytical methods are being refined. Chlorine decay studies have been
conducted. These studies show both photochemical decay and the demand by
inorganic and organic species for the chlorine and/or bromine residuals in
the cooling waters. Of the data presented thus far, some parameters vary
within the system and between plants, e.g., NHgN, while others are relatively
constant within the system but vary between plants, e.g., organic N. Speci-
fically, no combined chlorine residual appeared to exist at Hunters Point,
whereas at Contra Costa a large fraction of the total chlorine residual was
in the combined form.
User/Customer; Results will be published in the scientific literature. They
are of interest to EPA and are expected to be of interest to ERDA and other
regulatory/management agencies.
Significance to Energy Policy: Little is known about the nature, persistence,
and environmental effects, if any, of chlorine compounds that may be pro-
duced by the use of chlorine for slime control in power plant cooling
water—a significant water use.
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SUBTIDAL SURVEY OF THE STRAIT OF MAGELLAN
IN THE VICINITY OF THE METUIA OIL SPILL
Objective; (1) To quantitatively describe the faunal composition, density,
standing crop, diversity, dominance, and spatial heterogeneity of subtidal
macrobenthic communities in the vicinity of the Metula spill; (2) to
correlate changes in community structure with depth, bottom water quality
and sediment characteristics, especially oil contamination; (3) to assess
the impact of an oil spill on cold water, subtidal marine environments.
Results to Pate; The survey of the Strait was conducted on board the NSF R/v
Hero during 5-13 April 1976. An EPA grant has been awarded to Dr. Victor
Gallardo, University of Concepcion, Chile for analysis of biological
samples. Under an EPA contract. Dr. Scott Warner, Battelle Corporation,
Columbus, Ohio is analyzing sediment oil contamination. Results of these
analyses are not yet available. A brief description of the sampling design
was published in the September 1976 issue of the Antarctic Journal of the
U. S.
User/Customer; Results will be published in the scientific literature. They
are expected to be of interest to EPA, ERDA, and other regulatory/manage-
ment agencies.
Significance to Energy Policy; Little is known about the sensitivity of the
cold water marine ecosystems to major oil spills. The Metula incident
provided a unique opportunity to acquire such information. The results
will contribute to an improved scientific basis for predicting the
consequences of oil spills in the coastal zone.
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(625A-01)
DYNAMICS OF ENERGY RELATED POLLUTANTS IN MARINE SYSTEMS
Objective: In conjunction with inhouse and extramural work under PE 13A608;
(1) determine the nature, loading, distribution and effects of hydrocarbons,
organic and inorganic pollutants and metals in marine and estuarine eco-
systems; (2) develop ecosystem models of pollutant discharges to marine and
estuarine waters on scales ranging from simple planktonic assemblages to
controlled field systems; (3) determine correlation between results of
laboratory bioassay of system components and field studies of bioaccu-
mulation, system dynamics and routes to man from pollutants released from
offshore drilling refinery processing and oil/water separator effluents
entering marine and estuarine waters.
Results to Date; A guidance committee was formed and established strategies
for the collection, packaging and shipment of samples. Sampling sites
around the U.S. coast were defined with three designated for intensive
(monthly) sampling. Analyses of initial samples has begun. Interlaboratory
comparisons for purposes of quality control have been begun and a mobile
laboratory for sample collection is in operation. Efficiency of fish
sampling methods is being examined.
User/Customer: EPA (OEMI) will find the data valuable in assessing the long-
term buildup or decay of energy-related pollutants including transuranic
elements in marine organisms as well as organism abundance.
Significance to Energy Policy; The results of energy use decisions and of any
remedial actions which might be indicated and taken will be reflected
in this monitoring data.
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625A-02 109
IMPACTS OF POLLUTANTS FROM PETROLEUM EXTRACTION, REFINERIES,
AND FOSSIL FUEL UTILIZATION
Objective: A major facility for large-scale ecosystem simulation as well
as laboratory scale bioassay will be established under grant authority
under the guidance of an independent advisory panel drawn from experts
among the scientific community of the nation. Proposals will be sought,
evaluated and implemented which will provide meaningful and immediately
useful answers regarding the relationships between ecosystem response
and more traditional bioassays to support regulatory and planning actions.
Results to Date: Replicate meso-scale experimental ecosystems have been
constructed together with an adjacent support laboratory- The systems
have been studied for replicability and necessary adjustments in mixing,
dimensions and cleaning procedures are being made. Recipients of sub-
grants for utilization of the systems have been selected and awards
are in process. Preliminary results of studies on replicability have
been so favorable, that the Advisory Panel has recommended postponement
of consideration of the in situ or "sea bag" phase to permit more
effective utilization of the shore facility for pollutant tests.
User/Customer; EPA Program Offices will find that pollutant tolerance data
generated in such experimental ecosystems will prove less susceptible
to challenge than previous data bases when used as criteria on which
regulatory actions are based.
Significance to Energy Policy: Results to date have no immediate significance.
Expected results will be immediately applicable to decisions regarding
the consequences to the marine environment of developing and utilizing
energy resources.
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625A-03
THERMAL EFFECTS OF ENERGY UTILIZATION IN COMBINATION WITH
OTHER POLLUTANT STRESSES
Objective; In conjunction with in-house studies (PE 1BA683) on a different
geoclimatic province, studies will be conducted which will provide a
defensible basis for applying thermal elevation criteria to all areas
under the jurisdiction of EPA. Such studies will recognize the inter-
actions between thermal stress and those resulting from simultaneous
or intermittent stresses from other sources.
Results to Date; Duplicate experimental systems for applying fluctuating
thermal stress to fouling communities have been constructed at ERL-
Narragansett and Beaufort, N. C. The systems have been operated
successfully, adding increments of 2°, 4° and 6° to naturally fluctu-
ating ambient temperatures. Common methods of community analysis
have been agreed upon. Intensive studies should begin with Spring
recruitment to the settling substrates.
User/Customer; EPA will be able to verify or refine its thermal pollution
criteria.
Significance to Energy Policy: Present thermal criteria are based primarily
on observations of short-term response to non-varying temperatures.
The data expected will extend this base to chronic situations such as
power generation using the more realistic model of natural daily and
seasonal temperature fluctuation.
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Ill
Program Element L625B (02)
EVALUATION OF EXISTING GROUND-WATER BASIN MANAGEMENT MODELS
Objective; This project is aimed at evaluating the world's significant
ground-water models in,terms of their function, author, type, and
predictive capabilities.
Results to Date: A group consisting of representatives from ten countries
is now collecting and describing models from their countries and
others. A common descriptive format has been finalized. The inter-
national nature of this project is complex and has necessitated an
amendment reflecting an extension of one year on the final report.
The project period now will run from 7/23/75 to 7/15/77. Dr. Yehuda
Backmat from Israel was moved to Holcomb Research Institute to serve
full time in the final preparation of the report.
User/Customer: Information generated by this project will be available to
state and federal agencies and the mining community in planning orderly
product of this study, will be a valuable tool in determining environ-
mental impact criteria.
Significance to Energy Policy; Worldwide, numerous ground-water models exist.
Securing a state-of-the-art report on these models will minimize future
duplications of modeling efforts, indicate areas where additional work
is needed, and provide a valuable tool for assessing potential ground-
water problems associated with energy production.
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112
Program Element L625B (03)
MINERALOGY OF OVERBURDEN RELATED TO GROUND-WATER DEGRADATION
IN STRIP MINING OF COAL
Objective: This project is directed toward establishing a relationship
between overburden mineralogy and potential ground-water degradation.
In the course of this project, cores are being extracted from undisturbed
overburden, as well as adjacent spoil material which has undergone
extensive chemical and biological alteration 'following coal recovery-
Ground water upstream and downgradient from the mined area is being
chemically and physically characterized.
Results to Date: This project (hereafter referred to as "Phase I") is
progressing satisfactorily; drilling and coring operations were initiated
March 22, 1976,'and complete achievement of Phase I study is anticipated
by the Grantee December 1976. Preliminary Phase I data indicated a
strong dependence of ground-water quality on overburden mineralogy- The
effects will be evaluated more fully during the remaining Phase I study.
User/Customer; As in L625B (02), information generated by this project will
be available to state and federal agencies and the mining community in
planning orderly extraction of western coal. Guidelines for future
evaluation, a product of this study, will be a valuable tool in determining
environmental impact criteria.
Significance to Energy Policy: An amendment calling for a one-year effort
beginning in December 1976 and to be completed in December 1977 (here-
after referred to as "Phase II") is necessary to the implementation
of the Phase I method of data collection and evaluation. In Phase I,
the cause and effect are being studied intensively at two geographical
locations. In Phase II, several sites will be studied somewhat less
intensively, thus broadening the data base to include varying minera-
logical and climatological conditions and strengthening the accuracy and
applicability of the predictive method formulated in Phase I.
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113
Grant # 803937-02
STATIC COAL STORAGE BIOLOGIC AND CHEMICAL EFFECTS ON THE
AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT
Objective; The objectives of this research were to design a leaching
apparatus to find what metals might be released from coal and to
evaluate the bioaccumulation and chronic effects of metals from
coal storage leachate on aquatic organisms.
Results to Date; An apparatus to test leaching from coal was designed.
Results obtained from leaching western coal show that none of the metals
exceed EPA guidelines when extracted or leached under simulated natural
conditions. Natural buffering effects of coal seem to control which
metals will be released to and/or absorbed from the environment rather
than the environment controlling the process. Preliminary tests with
eastern coal also show this buffering effect to control the process
but at a different level of equilibrium. There is good agreement
between laboratory tests and simulated -natural field tanks indicating
that laboratory tests can provide useful information concerning the
leaching of metals from coal.
User/Customer: Federal and state regulatory agencies. Results can also be
used by any group or organization needing a leaching test to evaluate
the effects of coal, stored or lost, from the time it is mined until its
eventual use.
Significance to Energy Policy; This work is significant to energy problems
because of the increasing demand for the use of coal as a source of
energy. It is also important in evaluating potential or real environ-
mental problems.
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Grant #803952-02
ORGANIC LEACHING AND PARTICULATE DISPERSION FROM COAL
Objective: The objectives of this study are to determine: (1) the organic chemical
composition of aqueous coal leachate; (2) possible toxicity of materials
in the leachate; and (3) particulate dispersion of coal from shipping,
distribution and conversion sites. The investigators propose to identify
and quantify components in the organic content of coal leachate, with
emphasis on polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH's), under various
leaching conditions. They propose to test for possible toxicity and
bioaccumulation in fish. In addition, a model is being developed for
studying dispersion of particulate materials.
Results to Date: Analytical methods using gel permeation chromatography,
liquid chromatography and low energy electron impact mass spectrometry
have been developed to measure polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in the
coal leachate and fish exposed to the leachate. Measurements are
continuing in this area. The toxicity of the coal leachate has been
evaluated using fathead minnows. To determine adverse effects of poly-
nuclear hydrocarbons, enzyme assay measurements are also being used.
Currently two mathematical models have been developed and tested to
model water movement and water quality in the Duluth-Superior harbor.
Chemical parameters have been measured and traced in the development and
refinement of the model.
User/Customer: Federal and state agencies responsible for maintaining and
improving the integrity of the aquatic and terrestrial environment.
Industries for determining which chemicals must be treated and the
amount of treatment necessary for meeting state and federal regulations.
Significance to Energy Policy; The identification and measurement of organic
compounds, particularly polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, in coal and
coal leachates are important for determining potential toxicity problems
and suggesting how much treatment is required to assure protection of
the environment. Tests concerning toxicity, bioaccumulation and carcino-
genicity will elucidate potential problems from additional use of coal
to most expanding energy problems and suggest measures which should be
adopted to minimize adverse effects.
The particulate dispersion model developed for Duluth-Superior harbor
may be modified and applied to other harbor systems; this could be used
to effectively evaluate sites proposed for coal storage and shipping
facilities which could reduce pollution problems caused by particulates
and leachates from coal and also other materials.
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Grant #803971-02
THE IMPACT OF COAL-FIRED POWER PLANTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Objective; The objectives of this study are: (1) to document the environmental,
economic and social changes caused by the construction and operation of
the Columbia Generating Station, two units of 527 megawatts each located
in a wetland in Wisconsin; (2) to accumulate data and information to improve
decisions on siting such stations by environmental regulatory and protec-
tion agencies; (3) to design and test cost effective techniques for accurate
impact assessment? (4) to integrate the results of these intensive studies
and generalize them in the form of quantitative predictive capabilities for
assessing or predicting environmental impacts at future generation stations;
(5) to develop a general siting protocol for screening a number of
possible generating station sites to determine those which minimize environ-
mental, social and economic costs; and (6) to develop a detailed siting proto-
col for comparing alternative sites for a specific generating station. State
regulatory agency staff and public utilities staff are collaborating in the
study. Input and reaction from state and local agencies and the public are
a part of the experimental design.
Results to Date: Results and preliminary findings are available in the following
areas: Aquatic chemistry, trace elements, aq\aatic invertebrates, fish,
remote sensing, wetland ecology, hydrology, air pollution modeling, plant
and crop damage, meteorology, land use, visual changes, organic contaminants,
energy demand, transmission line network performance, dual purpose generating
stations, wind and solar energy sources, public health effects. The
Wisconsin Public Service Commission has already used some of the results to
date in developing siting criteria and in the siting of additional power
plants. Plain language summaries of these reports are being distributed to
the public.
User/Customer: The results of this study will be useful to the basic science,
engineering and design communities as well as policy analysts and decision
makers in public utilities, private corporations, and state and federal
regulatory agencies. The results already represent innovations in the
technology of impact forecasting, and when fully tested, this technology
will become an integral part of the tools by which electric power genera-
ting stations can be sited with maximum protection of the environment and
human health.
Significance to Energy Policy; Coal can be used in increased quantities, as is
projected by utilities, industries, and regulatory agencies, only if
means are found to anticipate and minimize the environmental, health,
social, and economic consequences of its increased use. Tools for pre-
dicting these consequences and therefore aiding in the siting and design
of new facilities to minimize them are urgently needed throughout the
Midwest and nationally, and the results of this study will contribute
substantially to these goals. This research will greatly increase the
ability of responsible policy-making agencies to assess probable conse-
quences of various scenarios for siting generating facilities with alterna-
tive mixes of energy sources. The results will be important in determining
ways of meeting demands for energy with a minimum of impact, if not
nationally, certainly in the Midwest and Wisconsin in particular.
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Grant #803932-02
CONTINUOUS FLOW BIOASSAYS USING NATURAL PERIPHYTON COMMUNITIES
WITH EMPHASIS ON THE EFFECTS OF COAL LEACHATE
Objective: The objective of this grant is to determine the effect of coal
leachate on attached periphyton communities. Measurements to be made
will (1) quantify the effects of coal leachate on species composition
and structure of periphyton communities; (2) identify leachate components
with inhibitory or stimulatory effects; and (3) elucidate possible
synergistic or antagonistic interactions among leachate components.
Effects are to be determined by measurements of biomass (dry weight,
chlorophyll concentration) and community characteristics (species
composition, diversity).
Results to Date: Work on this project has resulted in the design and
successful operation of an experimental facility for conducting continuous
flow bioassays with periphyton communities. Confidence limits for chloro-
phyll and ash-free dry weight determinations were established and com-
munity structure was examined to be sure that similar communities were
developing in the streams. The ability of coal leachate to complex
copper was measured.
Bioassays using filtered coal leachate as a test substance indicate that
periphyton growth is stimulated by coal leachate at low concentrations.
Chlorophyll "a" concentration and total cell counts are also being made.
Community composition has also been measured and shows some changes in
species dominance dependent on the percentage of leachate being tested.
User/Customer: Federal and state agencies responsible for maintaining and
improving the integrity of the aquatic and terrestrial environment.
Industries and government to aid in sitings of coal storage facilities
and the need for possible treatment of coal leachates.
Significance to Energy Policy: The results will help answer questions con-
cerning either stimulation or inhibition of aquatic plants by leachates
from coal.
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Grant #803950-02
TOXIC EFFECTS ON THE AQUATIC BIOTA FROM COAL AND OIL SHALE
DEVELOPMENT
Objective; The overall objective is to provide predictive information with
regard to potential toxicants to the aquatic environment resulting from
coal and oil shale extraction and conversion. Specific objectives are
to identify and quantify chemical products from coal and oil shale which
may reach surface water, and to determine by both field and laboratory
studies chemicals which may be adverse to aquatic life. Four cate-
gories of energy development will be considered: coal extraction, oil
shale extraction and processing, coal gasification, and coal-to-energy
conversion, identified by a combination of field, laboratory, and
literature studies, as well as by information gained from cooperative
input from other energy-related programs. Concurrent chemical and bio-
logical laboratory and field bioassays as well as aquatic distribution
studies will dictate which toxicants are most deleterious to the aquatic
biota. Feedback from these bioassays and distribution studies will
dictate what additional or alternate emphasis is required in the laboratory
and field chemical studies.
Results to Date: Bioassays have been run on diverse types of effluents
associated with energy development activities. Chemical composition
data is available on each effluent. Laboratory and field studies, both
chemical and biological, are underway to learn the nature and extent of
the changes encountered in strip mining. Metal analysis has been made
on fish and invertebrate specimens, also snow samples have been analyzed
from the fallout area. A fish distribution study, a benthic macro-
invertebrate study, and an additional sub-study to identify kinds and
numbers of microorganisms and their current role in the Rosebud Creek
area are underway. Samples of each effluent type identified as being
associated with existing coal gasification and liquefaction processes
are being obtained from pilot scale plants currently in operation.
Char samples and other effluents have been obtained through ERDA Energy
Research Laboratory in Laramie, Wyoming for bioassays and chemical
characterization. The effect of the environment on inorganic and organic
pollutants is being investigated.
User/Customer: State and federal regulatory agencies, power generation
engineers and designers, and policy analysts constitute some of the
user groups. The results will be useful to toxicologists, other
scientists, and the public. Various natural resource agencies will make
use of the data.
Significance to Energy Policy; The information obtained will be used to
anticipate and minimize environmental, health, social and economic
consequences through proper planning and design of mining operations
and energy use. The results will help assure the integrity of the
environment and wise use of natural resources.
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Grant #804612-01
LIMNOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF WATER QUALITY AND FISH LARVAE IN
LAKE ERIE (ESTIMATION OF THE IMPACT OF FISH LARVAL ENTRAINMENT
THROUGH POWER PLANTS ON WESTERN LAKE ERIE)
Objective; Approximately 300 million fish larvae are entrained through
a large power plant located on Western Lake Erie. As a result,
concern has been expressed over the impact of this entrainment on
the fish populations. To evaluate the impact of the entrainment of
fish larvae through the power plants, a cooperative program was
initiated to estimate the production of fish larvae and the impact
of the loss of the entrained larvae on the harvestable populations.
The study is being conducted cooperatively between the EPA, U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, the State of Michigan Department of Natural
Resources, the State of Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio
State University, and the Detroit-Edison Company.
Results to Date; Two years of fish larval density have been obtained. The
first year of data has been synthesized and draft reports have been
issued on the impact of the larval entrainment. The magnitude of the
larval populations in Western Lake Erie has also been estimated. The
reports are being reviewed by the cooperating agencies.
User/Customer; State and federal agencies that are responsible for the
analysis on the impact of the use of Great Lakes water for cooling
in power generation, by various power generating industries in their
design of intake locations, and thirdly, by fish management groups that
are responsible for resource allocation.
Significance to Energy Policy: The results of this study will provide a
methodology for assessing the significance of fish larval entrainment
on whole lake fish populations. If the Great Lakes are to be used as
a source of cooling water, then the impact on fish populations must be
evaluated. To date no studies have been able to answer the questions
as to the impact on the population as a whole.
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OEA
WATER QUALITY MONITORING - COLORADO
Objective; This project is required to assess the impacts of energy develop-
ment activities on the water quality of the Yampa and Williams Fork
Rivers. Several new electrical power generating facilities and associated
mines are planned for the Hayden-Craig, Colorado, area within the next
few years. The addition of 250 megawatts generating capacity is planned
at the existing Hayden Unit #1 along with two 380 megawatt generating
plants a'nd a coal mine near Craig, Colorado. Although neither generating
facility plans to discharge liquid wastes to the Yampa River, there may
be periodic stream depletions to supply process water. In addition, the
operation of coal mines in both the Williams Fork and Yampa River drainages
may affect both the physical and chemical characteristics of the ground-
surface water system in the area south of Craig, Colorado. Aquifer
dewatering due to mining operations may change existing aquifer flow
patterns which may affect recharge to the Williams Fork and Yampa Rivers.
Due to variations in climatic conditions, it is necessary to continue
the monitoring effort for a period of years to establish representative
baseline conditions. The project is currently in its second year, and it
is proposed to extend the project until at least October 1, 1977.
Sampling station coverage:
Station Identification
09244410 Yampa River below diversion near Hayden
09246550 Yampa River below confluence with Elkhead Creek
09247600 Yampa River below Yampa Project Diversion
09249750 Williams Fork River below Hamilton
Results to Date; Surface water quality data collection began in June 1974.
All data has been placed into the STORET system.
User/Customer; State Department of Health, Department of Natural Resources,
USGS, EPA-Region VIII, and other decision makers.
Significance to Energy Policy; Because of the sites selected, it is felt
that a very good baseline against which to judge surface water quality
degradation resulting from energy development will be able to be per-
formed. Continued monitoring will begin to show these impacts in the
form of short-term degradation and/or longer term trends.
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OEA #lb
WATER QUALITY MONITORING - COLORADO
Objective: Oil shale development, through mine dewatering and large-scale
disposal or retention of process waters, will affect the physical,
chemical, and biological characteristics of surface streams in the
impacted area. Stream depletions and process wastes will have signifi-
cant impact upon the water quality of streams passing through the
immediate oil shale development areas, in particular, the White River
near the federal lease sites downstream from Meeker, Colorado, and
Parachute Creek, and Logan Wash which drain southward into the Colorado
River.
There are two existing USGS monitoring stations located upstream and
downstream from the federal oil shale leases on the White River, and these
stations will be supplemented for additional parameter coverage. The
proposed Parachute Creek station will be established between two different
oil shale projects and upstream from major irrigation diversions to
provide baseline water quality data and monitor future impacts from oil
shale development. Tne station established for Logan Wash has tentatively
been deleted from coverage subject to reactivation pending resolution of
coverage/cost issues.
The project is currently in its second year and it is proposed to extend
the project until at least October 1, 1977. Sampling station coverage:
Station Identification
09304800 White River near Meeker
09306300 White River above Rangely
09093000 Parachute Creek near Grand Valley
Results to Date; Surface water quality data collection began in June 1974.
All data has been placed into the STORET system.
User/Customer: State Department of Health, Department of Natural Resources,
USGS, EPA-Region VIII, and other decision makers.
Significance to Energy Policy; Because of the sites selected, it is felt
that a very good baseline against which to judge surface water quality
degradation resulting from energy development will be able to be per-
formed. Continued monitoring will begin to show these impacts in the
form of short-term degradation and/or longer-term trends.
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OEA #2a
SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING - MONTANA
Obiactive: To obtain necessary baseline data to monitor and evaluate the
energy activities on surface water quality in the Yellowstone River
and its tributaries in the Northern Great Plains Coal Region of
Eastern Montana.
Results to Date: Surface water quality data collection began in June 1974.
All data has been placed into the STORET system.
User/Customer; State Department of Health, Department of Natural Resources,
USGS, EPA-Region VIII, and other decision .makers.
Significance to Energy Policy: Because of the sites selected, it is felt
that a very good baseline against which to judge surface water quality
degradation resulting from energy development will be able to be per-
formed. Continued monitoring will begin to show these impacts in the
form of short-term degradation and/or longer-term trends.
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OEA #3a
WATER QUALITY MONITORING - NORTH DAKOTA
Objective; To obtain necessary baseline data to monitor and evaluate the
energy activities on surface water quality in the Missouri River and
its tributaries in the Northern Great Plains Coal Region of Western
North Dakota.
Results to Date: Surface water quality data collection began in June 1974.
All data has been placed into the STORET system.
User/Customer: State Department of Health, Department of Natural Resources,
USGS, EPA-Region VIII, and other decision makers.
Significance to Energy Policy; Because of the sites selected, it is felt
that a very good baseline against which to judge surface water quality
degradation resulting from energy development will be able to be per-
formed. Continued monitoring will begin to show these impacts in the
form of short-term degradation and/or longer-term trends.
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OEA #4a
WATER QUALITY MONITORING - UTAH
Objective; Energy development in Utah oil shale and coal development area
will impact the water quality of surface waters in these areas. In
order to gather baseline water quality data and allow for future evalua-
tion of quality changes, a series of monitoring stations is required.
There are four existing USGS monitoring stations located in the oil
shale and coal areas. Support of the parameter coverage established
at these stations in 1975 will be continued in 1976. Along with the
monitoring of physical-chemical parameters, support of the biological
monitoring programs coverage will provide information necessary to
protect the quality of water in those areas. The project is currently
in its second year, and it is proposed that the project be extended
at least October 1, 1977. The monitoring stations are described below.
USGS Number Location
09306900 White River at Mouth
09302000 Duchesne River near Randlett
09214500 Price River at Woodside
09328500 San Rafael River near Green River
Results to Date: Surface water quality data collection began in June 1974.
All data has been placed into the STORET system.
User/Customer: State Department of Health, Department of Natural Resources,
USGS, EPA-Region VIII, and other decision makers.
Significance to Energy Policy; Because of the sites selected, it is felt that
a very good baseline against which to judge surface water quality
degradation resulting from energy development will be able to be per-
formed. Continued monitoring will begin to show these impacts in the
form of short-term degradation and/or longer-term trends.
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OEA #5a
SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING - WYOMING
;:• i 1 '!• • r '< , '. ,
Objective: To obtain necessary baseline data to monitor and evaluate the
energy activities on surface water quality in the Powder and Green
River Basin and their tributaries.
Results to Date: Surface water quality data collection began in June 1974.
All data has been placed into the STORET system.
User/Customer: State Department of Health, Department of Natural Resources,
USGS, EPA-Region VIII, and other decision makers.
Significance to Energy Policy: Because of the sites selected, it is felt
that a very good baseline against which to judge surface water quality
degradation resulting from energy.development will be able to be per-
formed. Continued monitoring will begin to., show these impacts in the.
form of short-term degradation and/or longer-term trends.
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OEA #5b
SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING - WYOMING
Objective; To obtain necessary baseline data to monitor and evaluate the
energy activities on surface water quality of the tributaries of the
Yellowstone River.
Results to Date; Surface water quality data collection began in June 1974.
All data has been placed into the STORET System.
User/Customer! State Department of Health, Department of Natural Resources,
USGS, EPA-Region VIII, and other decision makers.
Significance to Energy Policy; Because of the sites selected, it is felt that
a very good baseline against which to judge surface water quality degra-
dation resulting from energy development will be able to be performed.
Continued monitoring will begin to show these impacts in the form of
short-term degradation and/or longer-term trends.
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OEA #6
WATER QUALITY PREDICTION MODEL
Objective: The water quality model for the Green River Basin will be an
intricate part of the 208 areawide wastewater management system of that
basin. The water quality model will serve as a technical tool to assist
water resource planning and to develop water conservation practices
aimed at maintaining fishable and swimable waters. The model will be
used to predict water quality conditions for various scenarios of flow
depletion due to energy development.
The Green River mainstem and Flaming Gorge Reservoir systems will be
simulated. Scenarios of depletion will be based on different levels
of resource development including agriculture, trona mining, power plants,
coal gasification, oil and gas mining, and oil shale mining.
The model will predict in-stream water quality, and by considering present
and future waste loads from inflowing tributaries to the Green River and
Blacks Fork, anticipate water quality impacts throughout the Flaming
Gorge Reservoir system.
Results to Date: Contract was entered into with CH2M Hill Consultants.
Work is being performed under contract to the Green River Basin 208.
Existing water quality data has been collected and has been input into
the modeling effort. Results from the water quality modeling are
expected early in 1977.
User/Customer; Green River Basin 208, Wyoming state engineer, EPA-Region
VIII, as well as industry and other governmental officials.
Significance to Energy Policy; Because of the anticipated trans-basin diver-
sion being planned for the Green River Basin, we will now have a 202
estimate what the impacts of the diversions will be upon water quantity
and quality.
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OEA #7
WATER QUALITY EFFECTS ON EAST POPLAR RIVER - MONTANA
Objective; The USGS, WRD, Montana District office, will collect and
analyze surface water quality data at the following six stations:
(1) Middle Fork Poplar River near Scobey, (2) East Fork Poplar
River near Scobey, (3) Middle Fork Poplar River at International
Boundary, (4) West Fork poplar River at International Boundary,
(5) West Fork Poplar River near Bredette, (6) Poplar River above
West Fork; for the parameters of:
Field: Streamflow, pH, temperature, turbidity, dissolved
oxygen, and specific conductance.
Chemical: Calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate,
carbonate, sulfate, chloride, fluoride, boron, silica,
and iron.
Nutrients: Total nitrite and nitrate, total phosphorus, total
-kjeldahl, nitrogen, and total ammonia.
Metals: Dissolved (aluminum, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium,
chromium, copper, lead, mercury, manganese, nickel,
and zinc).
Results to Date; Surface water quality monitoring started at the six
listed stations in 1975 and is expected to continue through at least
1980. These stations are monitoring baseline water quality in antici-
pation of potential degradation from a power plant being constructed
in Canada, just above the border.
User/Customer: EPA, Region VIII, Montana State Department of Health,
Montana Department of Natural Resources, and environmental groups.
Significance to Energy Policy; As a result of this data.collection, decision
makers will have a mechanism for assessing the true water quality
degradation as a result of the power plant.
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OEA #8
SURVEY OF INVERTEBRATE POPULATIONS - NORTH DAKOTA
Objective; In the near future, the San Juan River Basin will be subjected
to considerable pressures to develop its energy and non-energy resources.
Such actions could have major impact on the biological, chemical and
physical integrity of the San Juan River, Lake Powell and downstream
environments.
A study of the San Juan River and the San Juan Arm of Lake Powell was
initiated to further define baseline environmental conditions in the
state's areas. Data collection will emphasize phytoplankton, zooplankton,
invertebrates, water chemistry, soil chemistry, sediment chemistry and
physical parameters.
Major objectives are to assess the ecological importance of the San Juan
Arm of Lake Powell, its dependence on the San Juan River and its relation-
ship to the greater Lake Powell ecosystem. Heavy metal contributions to
the San Juan River System are to be further delineated with determinations
made on the possible effects of heavy metal concentrations on the biological
resource.
In addition, information collected as part of the study will provide input
to the design of an optimum environmental monitoring system for the San
Juan River Basin by EPA-EMSL.
Results to Date: The field effort mounted by the EPA Lab in Las Vegas has
begun and is being implemented. Collection of data is expected to terminate
shortly. Presentation of findings is expected early next year.
User/Customer: The Las Vegas Lab certainly will have a use for this data in
the design of an optimum biological environmental monitoring system.
EPA, Region VIII, Utah Department of Health, Utah Department of Natural
Resources will also have interest in this program.
Significance to Energy Policy: Results of this program will have a key input
into the design of an optimum biological monitoring system. This system
can serve as a basis for biological monitoring in many energy areas.
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OEA #9
EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF REDUCED WATER FLOWS- UTAH
Objective: Assessment of the chemical and biological status of sediments
in the Knife River and its tributaries relative to euthrophying
nutrients, pathogenic bacteria, toxic chemicals and self-purification
potentials of surface waters.
A major objective of this study, is to obtain baseline data for stream
sediments, determine sediment chemical quality and characterize
sediment-associated bacteria for a representative segment of the Knife
River drainage that could be significantly impacted by future energy
development.
A second major objective to to study data to enable assessment of
sediment-bacteriological interrelationship for an area already impacted
by pollution loadings from coal mine activities. Ideally, a site within
the-interior drainage area of an active mine where waste has accumulated
will bemused. The second site would be an area which has been impacted
for years.
Criteria used for selection to establish baseline conditions should
emphasize areas where there is a high probability for energy development,
an area within the drainage development which has not been significantly
disturbed by energy development, and an area where surface water drainage
patterns are significantly defined so that future energy impact on surface
water can be assessed with a reasonable degree of accuracy once develop-
ment occurs'. The above described second sampling site, an area already
impacted by pollution loadings, should provide information on the long-
term effects of sediment loadings of coal mine activities on sediment-
related bacteria. Sampling of the baseline sites should be more frequent
than of the impacted environment sites.
Results to Date; This program is being conducted by North Dakota State
University. Sampling methodology has been defined. Field sampling was
initiated this summer and is expected to resume again next spring. Pre-
liminary data include the normal water quality parameters as well as
sediment analyses and bacteriological data.
User/Customer: State and local governmental agencies and EPA, Region VIII,
as well as industry.
Significance to Energy Policy; Determination of the importance of sediment
in the self-purification potential of surface water should be able to
be made. Impacts of disturbance of sediment as a result of mining
activities will be defined.
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130 OEA #10
METHODOLOGY FOR PREDICTING EFFECTS OF REDUCED STREAM FLOW
Objective: A methodology is needed to predict the effects of changes in
warm water stream flows on plant and animal ecosystems. In order to
develop this methodology a research plan was established which provided
for a literature search, a proposed methodology, and field testing of
the proposed methodology.
Field testing, modification and verification of the methodology occurred
on the Tongue River, Montana, and was conducted in two phases. The
first phase established tolerance limits and habitat preferences of
biotic communities under naturally occurring stream conditions. Baseline
biological data was also collected.
Phase two involved the application, evaluation, and modification of the
methodology within the Tongue River drainage. This work characterized
the effects of flow variation on a range of habitat requirements for
important aquatic species during summer and winter conditions.
Results to Date: This program, which has been performed by the University of
Montana, was completed on November 1, 1976. This program was a three-
year effort to define a methodology which would predict the changes on
a warm water ecosystem as a result of a change of stream flow. This
methodology was then field validated. A report on the results of the
program is available.
User/Customer; Users of this methodology and data are the state agencies
that are charged with the responsibility of protecting the aquatic
values of stream systems.
Significance to Energy Policy: A tool is now available to assess the environ-
mental impact on an aquatic ecosystem as a result of stream flow
depletions as well as water quality degradation.
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OEA #11
AIR QUALITY DATA COLLECTION - COLORADO
Ob-)active; (1) Inventory and characterize the biological, physical, and
chemical conditions of Fort Peck Reservoir, Montana, and Lake Sakakawea,
North Dakota, in areas of current and/or potential energy development;
(2) identify and rank all known and anticipated impacts of energy or
energy-related developments on the aquatic biota and water quality of
these reservoirs. These items would include, but not be limited to,
liquid and atmospheric waste emissions from coal conversion facilities,
water withdrawals, construction activities, land use patterns, municipal
wastes, energy transportation, etc.; (3) develop a simple mechanism,
e.g., a matrix, to integrate data from (1) and (2) above so that the
cumulative effects of energy development at various levels of intensity
on the reservoir ecosystem can be predicted; (4) based on information
from (1), (2), and (3), develop strategies, criteria, and guideline
recommendations to: (a) provide realistic development alternatives to
minimize damage to the aquatic environment; (b) mitigate losses resulting
from energy development; and (c) where possible, utilize development-
related environmental modifications to enhance water quality and fish
and wildlife habitat.
Results to Date; This project is being performed under an IAG with the North
Central Reservoir Investigations Group, under the U.S. Fish and Wild-
life Service. Field study was initiated in the summer of 1976. Results
are not expected until mid-1977.
User/Customer; Users of this data will be various local and federal agencies.
Significance to Energy Policy; The effect of a major change in streamflow
upon reservoir operations should result due to the performance of this
program.
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OEA #12a
AIR QUALITY DATA COLLECTION - WYOMING
Objective: This study is a continuation of a five-site data collection
program initiated in June 1975. Upper air temperature and wind data
was collected and analyzed at the following areas: Gillette, Wyoming?
Bowman and Stanton, North Dakota; Colstrip and Glendive, Montana. Data
was collected during June 1975 to May 1976. This study extends the data
collection at Gillette and Stanton for another year.
Pilot balloons and temperature soudes were released two times per day
every other day during the initial 12-month period and will continue
in this study once the contract is finalized. Plots of temperature,
wind speed, wind direction versus altitude are available, as well as
joint wind-stability distributions on a monthly, seasonal and annual
basis.
Results to Date: This project is the extension of work begun under the
Northern Great Plains Resources Program. Data collection will begin
about January 1, 1977, and continue for a period of twelve months.
User/Customer; Users of this data will be the persons having to perform
air quality diffusion modeling in these site-specific areas.
Significance to Energy Policy: Site-specific meteorological goal data is
severely lacking for most areas where power plant or coal mining
activities are taking place. Collection of this upper air data will
mitigate this data deficiency.
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OEA tt!2b
AIR QUALITY NETWORK - MONTANA
Objective; This study is a continuation of a contract that is providing
upper air data at seven sites: Craig and C-b Oil Shale Tract, Colorado;
Hanksville and Escalante, Utah; Casper and Rock Springs, Wyoming.
Temperature, wind speed and direction versus altitude are being measured
via pilot ballons and temperature sotides. Pilot ballons are released
twice-a-day, every other day. Temperature and wind data are used to
generate stability-wind rose data on a seasonal, annual and monthly
basis. Summaries of inversions and mixing-layer heights are provided
also.
Results to Date; Contract modification will allow the continuance of data
collection at the seven sites mentioned above for a period of four to
six months. Data collection is ongoing at the present time.
User/Customer: Data will be used by those persons interested in doing air
quality diffusion modeling for site-specific areas.
Significance to Energy Policy; Site-specific meteorological goal data is
severely lacking for most areas where power plant or coal mining
activities are taking place. Collection of this upper air data will
mitigate this data deficiency.
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OEA #13
AIR QUALITY MONITORING - NORTH DAKOTA
Objective; The purpose of this project is the collection and analysis of
geochemical data on the relatively shallow ground waters that may be
impacted by the extraction of oil shale in the Piceance and Yellow
Creek Basins of Colorado. Water samples will be collected from
approximately twelve wells and many springs. Chemical analysis for
approximately thirty parameters will be collected on selected samples.
Data will be used to refine predictive models of resultant water
quality both for those waters encountered by mining operations and
ground waters centering surface drainages and springs and seeps.
Results to Date; This program began three field seasons ago. All field
data is now collected and a final report is being worked on. Issuance
of that report is expected early 1977.
User/Customer; USGS, EPA, State Water Quality Bureau of the Department of
Health.
Significance to Energy Policy: Completion of this program should allow the
prediction of impacts upon the shallow aquifer system as a result of
underground or open-pit oil shale mining.
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OEA #14
AIR QUALITY MONITORING - SOUTH DAKOTA
Objective; The purpose of this project is to study the hydrologic
characteristics of coal spoil piles west of the Edna Mine in Routt
County, Colorado. The effort is designed to complement on-going
studies by Colorado State University on the water quality degradation
potential of mine spoils. Specifically, the project will examine
trace metal concentrations and movement; consider the moisture regime
of the spoils profile; examine changes in undisturbed areas; and
develop a model to predict the impact of disturbed areas on total
basin response. Lysimeters will be installed and a rainfall simulator
will be used. Water samples will be taken from observation wells.
Soil moisture probes will be utilized.
Results to Date; This was a project initiated in the summer of 1976. Some
field data was collected in the summer and fall and will be completed
in the spring of 1977. This program complements the previous EPA-ORD
effort at the mine.
User/Customer; EPA, State agencies and USGS
Significance to Energy Policy! Characterization of trace element concen-
trations and movement through old spoils piles will be able to be
performed.
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OEA #15
AIR QUALITY MONITORING - UTAH
Objective; The purpose of this effort is to define the chemical quality
of water stored in or discharged from underground coal mines in
Colorado. The project will be confined to the North Fork of the
Gunnison River drainage basin, primarily in Gunnison and Delta Counties.
The effort will focus on development of a data base so that water
quality evaluations of underground coal mining can be made. Data
will be collected with respect to pH, temperature, specific conduc-
tance, dissolved oxygen, flow, and approximately 15 chemical
constituents.
Results to Date: This is a program that was initiated in the- summer of 1976.
Second season of fuel data from underground mining activity will be
collected during the summer of 1977. The final report is expected near
the end of 1977.
User/Customer; State Department of Health, EPA and USGS.
Significance to Energy Policy; An examination of the water quality of under-
ground coal mining activities will be performed.
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OEA #16
AIR MONITORING NETWORK - WYOMING
Objective: To provide basic geohydrologic and geochemical data in the
Northern Yellowstone River and Missouri River drainages of Montana
with emphasis on potential coal development areas (particularly
Circle, Montana). The effort will involve the inventorying of wells
in four Montana counties; a general hydrogeologic analysis and appro-
priate mapping; water level measurements; drilling of wells; aquifer
tests and analyses; and ground water quality analyses.
Results to Date; This project is being performed by the Montana District
Office of the USGS. This program was initiated in 1975 and will be
completed by the end of this year. A general reconnaissance of 15
ground water quantity and quality stations in northeast Montana will
result from this activity. Data will be published in a report to be
issued in early 1977.
User/Customer: EPA, Montana Department of Health, Montana Department of
Natural Resources, USGS, and industry.
Significance to Energy Policy; Evaluation of the impacts of a potential
coal gasification plant and associated mining activity will be able
to be assessed as a result of this effort.
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OEA #17
BACKGROUND AIR QUALITY AND METEOROLOGICAL DATA
REQUISITION - MONTANA
Objective; The purpose of this project is to collect and evaluate baseline
geohydrologic and geochemical data in an area of the principal coal
resource in eastern and southeastern Utah so as to facilitate efforts
to describe the impacts of mining on the shallow and moderately deep
ground water and surface water systems. The general geographical area
is that drained by the Colorado River system in Utah with emphasis on
the Dirty Devil drainage system and other principal basins where every
development is scheduled and where such development may affect the water
resource. The effort will involve consultation with site-specific
investigators; identification of and measurements at existing wells and
springs; installation of a limited number of wells at critical loca-
tions and appropriate aquifer analyses? analysis of ground and surface
water quality data, and additional surface water sampling.
Results to Date; General ground water reconnaissance of the Dirty Devil Basin
has been performed. Ground water quality and quantity have been defined.
Programs come into completion during 1977.
User/Customer; EPA, Region VIII, USGS, Utah Department of Health, and the
mining industry.
Significance to Energy Policy; An evaluation of the impacts on the shallow
ground water aquifer system can be performed as a result of this data
collected.
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OEA #18
GUIDELINES FOR ESTIMATING SOIL
LOSS FROM MINING
Objective; The purpose of this effort is to develop guidelines which can be
utilized to estimate soil losses resulting from land disturbances caused
by mining activities in North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana,
Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. Guideline development will con-
sist of compilation of pertinent data with respect to soil properties,
climatic factors, vegetative influences, and topographic variables in
areas where the potential is high for the mining of Western energy re-
sources. An approach to estimate soil losses on disturbed land due to
mining activities will be developed. Soil erosion control and conser-
vation practices utilized on western land disturbed by mining will be
identified and evaluated. Using collected data, the developed soil loss
estimation approach, and existing mined land reclamation requirements for
the western states, general soil loss potentials will be derived.
Results to Date; This project was initiated by an interagency agreement
between EPA and the Soil Conservation Service. The effort began in the
summer of 1976 and a draft follow-up report is presently being reviewed
by Region VIII staff. Ultimately, an evaluation of the potential soil
loss as a result of erosion because of mining activities will be performed.
User/Customer; EPA, Soil Conservation Service and State Health Departments.
Significance to Energy Policy; An estimation of the sediment loss from mining
activities in the western United States can be made as a result of infor-
mation developed in this program. The mitigating measures will also be
defined.
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OEA #19a
ENVIRONMENTAL RANKING OF LEASED COAL LANDS
Objective: The steady evolution of a new Federal Coal Leasing Program, the
lifting of an injunction against mining plan approvals in the Eastern
Powder River Basin, as well as demands for moderate cost energy fuels
such as low sulfur coals, are all facts which are placing unique environ-
mental pressures on the coal resources of the western United States.
There is a need for a systematic, uniform and representative classifica-
tion of developable coal areas where diverse impacts on the human environ-
ment may occur, especially in light of the role of "calls for nominations"
for coal lease tracts (see Federal Register, Vol. 41, #52, pp. 11035-7).
It is the intent of this effort to design and to apply to the degree pos-
sible with existing data an environmental ranking of leased lands and of
representative known coal leasing areas. Such a ranking will assist in
identifying areas that, if mined, will provide substantial challenges
to protect the water resources, air resources, and other resources with
which coal development competes.
The purpose of this effort is to test and apply a reasonably implemented
methodology that facilitates a geographical comparison of environmental
impacts that would occur if western coal were surface-mined using readily
available input data for comparison. No field measurements are supported
by this effort.
Results to Date: The contract has not been awarded.
User/Customer: Federal, local, and state decision makers.
Significance to Energy Policy; An assessment of the relative environmental
merits of various coal leasing areas will be made.
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141
OEA #19b
SURFACE DRAINAGE MAPPING OF COAL AREAS - MONTANA
Objective; The evolution of a new Federal Coal Leasing Program has placed
new emphasis on mining the shallower coal deposits of the western United
States. A critical variable to be considered is the competition of the
shallow coal mining operation with other established land uses. The competi-
tion has been especially focused at the existing agricultural land uses
within alluvial valley floors. Alluvial valley floors are combinations of
geologic, hydrologic and land use factors, usually agricultural land use,
that because of the storage of shallow ground water, are important to the
economic well-being of agricultural operations in the semi-arid western
United States. However, the specific interactions of the geologic, hydro-
logic and biologic functions of such low-land drainage areas are not
sufficiently represented in existing sources of data to permit certain
identification without field investigations of situations which may differ
(differ in the climatological, geologic, hydrologic, and biologic sense)
from those areas recently investigated (southcentral/eastern Montana,
northeastern Wyoming). Experience has shown that reconnaissance mapping
on a county-basis can be accurately extrapolated to larger drainage basins
to project the extent of potential conflicts between established agricul-
tural land uses of the alluvial valleys and the surface mining of coal.
Selected proposals for federal surface coal mining legislation and regu-
lations address alluvial valley floors and protection of the functions
thereof to differing degrees. Montana has shown great interest in assessing
the relative importance of the alluvial valley floors. This effort will
therefore involve a reconnaissance mapping of surface drainages in a three-
county area of northeastern Montana (Dawson, Richland, and McCone counties) .
In addition, appropriate measures will be identified to protect the water-
dependent resources of agriculturally-important alluvial valleys where
such valleys have potential to be affected by the coal resource.
Results to Date: The field study is going on. Alluvial valley floors have
been mapped. The final report is expected in early 1977.
User/Customer; Montana Department of Natural Resources, EPA, Region VIII,
and industry.
Significance to Energy Policy; The importance of alluvial valley floors will
be identified.
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142
OEA #21
DESIGN ON ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
MONITORING SYSTEM - REGION VIII
Objective; Install and operate air monitoring sites in the energy areas of
western Colorado to collect baseline data prior to major expansion of
energy activities. Particulate samples from the energy area will be
analyzed for nitrate and sulfate content.
Results to Date; Air quality data collection began in the summer of 1976.
All data is being placed into SAROAD.
User/Customer; State Health Department, EPA, Region VIII.
Significance to Energy Policy; Because of the site selected, it is felt that
the baseline against which to judge air quality degradation resulting
from energy development will be able to be performed. Continued monitoring
will begin to show the impacts, form of short-term degradation, and/or
long-term trends.
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143
OEA #22
TESTING AND ADAPTING A METHODOLOGY TO
MEASURE IN-STREAM VALUES - MONTANA
Objective: (1) Background air monitoring in energy areas; (2) background
water monitoring in energy areas; (3) particulate samples will be analyzed
for nitrate and sulfate.
Results to Date; Air quality data collection began in the summer of 1976.
All data is being placed into SAROAD.
User/Customer; State Health Department, EPA, Region VIII,
Significance to Energy Policy; Because of the site selected, it is felt that
the baseline against which to judge air quality degradation resulting
from energy development will be able to be performed. Continued monitoring
will begin to show the impacts, form of short-term degradation, and/or
long-term trends.
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144
OEA #23
IMPACTS OF ENERGY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS
Objective: The objective of this project is to maintain and operate a network
of eight ambient air monitoring stations established at certain sites in
western North Dakota. These stations will provide air quality data in
possible energy development areas within North Dakota and will provide
baseline data to assess possible deterioration of North Dakota's air from
energy development in surrounding states. The sampling operation will be
conducted for a period of 24 months.
Results to Date; Air quality data collection began in the summer of 1976.
All data is being placed into SAROAD.
User/Customer: State Health Department, EPA, Region VIII.
Significance to Energy Policy: Because of the site selected, it is felt that
the baseline against which to judge air quality degradation resulting from
energy development will be able to be performed. Continued monitoring
will begin to show the impacts, form of short-term degradation, and/or
long-term trends.
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145
OEA #24
IMPACTS OF ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS
Objective; The objective of this project is to maintain and operate a network
of three ambient air monitoring stations established at certain sites
within the state of South Dakota (Belle Fourche, Buffalo, and Lemmon) .
These stations will provide air quality data in possible energy development
areas within South Dakota and will provide baseline data to assess possible
deterioration of South Dakota's air from energy development in surrounding
states. The sample operations will be conducted for a period of 24 months.
Results to Date; Air quality data collection began in the summer of 1976.
All data is being placed into SAROAD.
User/Customer: State Health Department, EPA, Region VIII.
Significance to Energy Policy: Because of the site selected, it is felt that
the baseline against which to judge air quality degradation resulting
from energy development will be able to be performed. Continued monitoring
will begin to show the impacts, form of short-term degradation, and/or
long term trends.
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146
OEA #25
AIR QUALITY MONITORING - UTAH
Objective; The state will install and operate air monitoring stations at:
St. George, Emery County, Vernal, Castle Dale, Caineville, Kanab, Escalante,
Bullfrog, Marina, and Wahweep Marina. These monitoring stations will col-
lect air data as background before power plants are built.
Results to Date; Air quality data collection began in the summer of 1976.
All data is being placed into SAROAD.
User/Customer; State Health Department, EPA, Region VIII
Significance to Energy Policy; Because of the site selected, it is felt that
the baseline against which to judge air quality degradation resulting from
energy development will be able to be performed. Continued monitoring will
begin to show the impacts, form of short-term degradation, and/or long-term
trends.
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147
OEA #26
SHALLOW GROUND WATERS IMPACTED BY MINING - COLORADO
Objective; The objective of this project is to maintain and operate a network
of ambient air monitoring stations established at certain sites within the
State of Wyoming. During FY'76, there were seven sites and in FY'77,
there will be nine sites, three of which will be continuous monitoring
sites. These stations or sites will provide air quality data in possible
energy development areas within Wyoming and will provide baseline data
to assess possible deterioration of Wyoming's air from energy development
in surrounding states. The sample operation will be conducted for a period
of 24 months.
Results to Date; Air quality data collection began in the summer of 1976.
All data is being placed into SAROAD.
User/Customer; State Health Department, EPA, Region VIII.
Significance to Energy Policy; Because of the site selected, it is felt that
the baseline against which to judge air quality degradation resulting from
energy development will be able to be performed. Continued monitoring
will begin to show the impacts, form of short-term degradation, and/or
long-term trends.
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148
OEA #27
QUANTIFY SHALLOW GROUND WATER DISCHARGE - TONGUE RIVER
Objective: The uranium cycle will be assessed for air, water, solid waste, and
radiological impacts. A planning and technical document will be developed
to guide administrators in their decisions. This siting guide will address
planning and regulatory procedures applicable to mill siting. A succinct
review of options for uranium extraction, blasting, and solution mining
will also be performed.
Results to Date: A sole source contract has been awarded to Western State
Nuclear Board who has recently begun work.
User/Customer; State, local, and federal decision makers who have to review
uranium mining and milling facilities will benefit from this siting guide.
Significance to Energy Policy: A tool to assess the impact of uranium mining
and milling activities will be published.
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149
OEA #28
CHEMICAL MEASUREMENT OP SHALLOW GROUND WATER - NORTH DAKOTA
Objective; With continued interest by the U.S. Government in obtaining energy
self-sufficiency, there has been a growing interest in the development of
alternative energy systems, not the least of which has been this country's
geothermal energy resource. Realizing that a portion of any geothermal
development may well occur in the Region VIII states of Colorado, Montana,
North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming, the EPA wishes to determine
the potential environmental impacts that such development may have on the
region.
The intent of this project is the development of a two-part siting and
leasing guide. Part one will be an executive summary which can be used
by administrators and Governor's staff-level people. Part two will be a
detailed back-up document. This guide will address all Region VIII Known
Geothermal Resource Areas (KGRAs) with particular emphasis upon those
where development is occurring. The types of systems, process development
and engineering details of recovery of the geothermal resource will be
presented. A general overview of resource development in other regions
and countries will be considered. The existing and expected federal, state
and local constraints will be compiled. The expected air, water, and land
effluents and impacts will be presented along with the mitigating measures
necessary to control these impacts. Finally, the information needed prior
to leasing and operation will be presented and suggested monitoring criteria
and requirements will be developed.
The above will be done in conjunction with the EPA-Las Vegas project,
entitled "Geothermal Systems/Environmental Assessment of Extraction,
Conversion, and Waste Disposal."
Results to Date; The effort has been combined with a large geothermal effort
in conjunction with EPA-Las Vegas and Cincinnati labs. The contract has
been awarded to Geonomics. Work has just recently begun.
User/Customer; Those people interested in geothermal environmental impacts
as well as those decision makers who have to evaluate the impacts of
geothermal development.
Significance to Energy Policy: A concise guide for the assessment of environ-
mental impacts resulting from geothermal development will be published.
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150
OEA #29a
GROUND WATERS IMPACTED BY OIL SHALE - UTAH
Objective; The proposed effort is required to properly assess the technology
available to adequately reclaim and revegetate lands disturbed during the
surface mining of coal in the interior western United States. It is also
necessary to accurately project the reclamation potential for lands that
may be disturbed. It will be necessary to inventory the existing quantita-
tive reclamation experiments as well as the ongoing full-scale reclamation
projects to provide a common data base from which the assessment can be •
made. Some additional measurements of revegetation success will be designed.
Field inspections of all mines and off-site reclamation efforts are necessary.
Principal investigators will be consulted as will mine operators. Key
reclamation variables will be identified and described for each activity.
The results of ongoing reclamation activities will be examined to determine
their applicability to other areas. The measures of reclamation success
will be articulated. Criteria to determine when and where reclamation
is attainable and assured will be described and research to fill these
gaps will be developed.
In order to properly compare geographical areas with respect to their
reclamation potential after lands have been mined or otherwise disturbed
by development of the coal resource, a map-assisted comparison of recla-
mation potentials will be produced for the interior western United States.
The relative assessments of rehabilitation potentials will be based upon
criteria of reestablishing or enhancing pre-mining uses of the land that
are of economic importance. The map and related material will be produced
in two stages; one in draft - reconnaissance form; the second in refined
form based upon additional investigations and ready for publication.
Results to Date; This program is being conducted under an interagency agreement
with the Department of Agriculture. Work began in the spring of 1976 and
will continue through the summer of 1977. The criteria for evaluating a
successful reclamation activity will result from the completion of this
study.
User/Customer: Federal, state, and local agencies required to assess the
reclamation potential of a particular coal mining plant.
Significance to Energy Policy; A tool to be used in the evaluation of success-
ful reclamation will be developed.
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151
OEA #29b
OIL AND GAS WELL EMISSIONS - REGION VIII
Objective; There has been little effort to date to determine the particulate
emissions from a 'strip coal mine in the arid west. These emissions are
significant, come from various points in the mining activity, and are
extremely difficult to quantify.
This effort will entail a detailed site specific ambient monitoring pro-
gram. Emissions will be estimated by use of a Gaussian diffusion model
and the air quality and meteorological data collected.
Results to Date; This contract is expected to be awarded in early January
1977 • Field sampling will be conducted in the spring and summer of 1977.
User/Customer; EPA, Region VIII, and the State Department of Health, as well
as industry.
Significance to Energy Policy; Inaccurate quantification of the fugitive dust
emissions as a result of coal surface mining activities will be made.
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152
OEA #31
ABUNDANCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF FISH IN POPLAR RIVER
Objective; The Saskatchewan Power Corporation is presently developing a coal-
fired power generating complex on the East Poplar River. Construction of
a cooling reservoir (run-of-the-river) was initiated in 1975. The project
could significantly alter the flow regimen of the Poplar and adversely
impact water quality.
The Poplar River system contains a good sport fishery consisting of Walleye,
Northern Pike, Bass, and Goldeye. Fish population studies were initiated in
1975 to acquire baseline information. Seining and electrofishing were con-
ducted to determine species abundance and distribution (adult).
The objectives of this study are to gather quantitative data on the abundance
and distribution of young-of-the-year Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth
Bass at selected sites in the Poplar drainage. In addition, all records of
stream discharge, water quality, and temperature will be secured and evaluated
to determine possible impact on sport fish populations.
Results to Date: Interagency agreement with Montana Department of Fish and
Game initiated this study in the summer of 1976. Field data will be collected
again in the spring of 1977.
User/Customer: EPA, Montana Department of Health, Montana Department of Fish
and Game, and the U.S. Department of State.
Significance to Energy Policy; Baseline of fish species and species diversity
on the Poplar River will be identified.
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153
OEA #32
SYNTHETIC FUEL PROCESS EMISSIONS - COLORADO
Objective; An^analysis of highvolume sampler filters at 40 sites in Colorado,
Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota will be performed to determine
SO. and N03 concentrations. All samples collected on an every-sixth-day
basis will be analyzed for one year. The respective State Air Pollution
Control Agency Laboratory is performing the analysis.
Results to Date; Evaluation of high volume filters for sulfate and nitrate
concentrations began on October 1, 1976. All data is being placed into
the SAROAD ^system.
User/Customer: State Department of Health and EPA.
Significance to Energy Policy; Evaluation of the relative impermeable nature
of pond liners will be accomplished as a result of data collected through
this program. Potential degradation of ground water quality as a result
of permeable linings will result.
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154
OEA J35
GROUNDWATER IMPACT OF DISSOLVED MATERIALS IN WASTE WATER PONDS
Objactive; The principal effort in this investigation is to examine the
production and distribution of dissolved materials in waste water ponds
and subsequent movement into ground water systems. Another major objective
will be to examine corrective measures that may be employed to minimize
or eliminate adverse affects on ground water systems peripheral to the
ponds. Ponds that will be considered include those waste ponds near the
power plant and the fly ash storage pond located northwest of the community
of Colstrip. The latter fly ash storage pond is a large pond usedafor the
ultimate disposal of fly ash. Finally, the study will evaluate the impacts
on all beneficial water uses in the area.
Results to Date; Copies of the report are being printed at the Government
Printing Office and should be available by September 1, 1976.
User/Customer; Federal, state, and local officials, the public industry, and
environmental groups.
Significance to Energy Policy; A good discussion of the present state of
mining activity in the West is presented.
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155
OEA #45
NON-POINT SOURCE POLLUTION
MONITORING FOR OIL SHALE AREAS
Objective; A major portion of the pollution problems in the western United
States originate from non-point sources. Considerable emphasis has been
placed on non-point problem definition in the 208 planning process; how-
ever, to date, little attention has been given to the design of a system
appropriate for monitoring non-point sources.
The objective of the study is to develop a monitoring system for non-point
sources for oil shale impact areas with consideration to methods, proce-
dures, and "instrumentation requirements. The system will incorporate
biological, chemical, and physical parameters.
Results to Date; A series of reports on non-point source mining is being
conducted by EPA - Las Vegas, and will be published in early 1977.
User/Customer; Federal, state, and local officials, public, industry, and
environmental groups.
Significance to Energy Policy; An optimum monitoring network will be designed.
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157
TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY
Isolation and Identification of Water-Borne
Pollutants Associated with (Steam-Electric
Power Generation) 159
Development and Evaluation of an Integrated Approach
to the Optimization of Nuclear Power Plant
Radiological Surveillance Programs 160
Atmospheric Interaction 'Studies 161
Regional Atmospheric Transport of Coal-Fired Power
Plant Emissions 162
Evaluation and Improvement of Models Used for
Radiological Impact Assessment of Gaseous Releases
from Nuclear Power Plants 163
Field and Filtered/Unfiltered Exposure Chamber Studies
of Effects of Coal-Fired Power Plant Emissions on
Crop and Forest Species of Economic Importance
in the SE United States 164
Determine Dose-Response Kinetics for Effects of
Atmospheric Emissions from Coal-Fired Power Plants
on Soybeans and Other Crops and Forest Species of
Economic Importance to the SE United States 165
• r
Characterization and Quantification of the Transfer,
Fate, and Effects of SOX, NOX, and Acid
Precipitation on Terrestrial Ecosystems
Representative of the Tennessee Valley Region 166
Evaluate the Beneficial Effects of Sulfur Dioxide and
Other Pollutants Emitted from Steam Plants on
Crops and Forest Species, Particularly Soybeans
and Pines
Remote Sensing of Sulfur Dioxide Effects on
Vegetation
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158
TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY
Fate and Effects of Atmospheric Emissions from
Cooling Systems on Terrestrial Habitats 170
Ecological Recovery After Reclamation of Toxic
Spoils Left by Coal Surface Mining 171
Information Systems Development 172
Acute Thermal Effects, Aquatic Insects 173
Biochemical Methodology, Aquatic Thermal Impacts 174
Biomonitoring, Mollusks, and Others t 175
Evaluate Water Intake, Zooplankton Entrainment 176
Strip Mine Drainage'Water Quality with Emphasis
on Toxic Substances 177
Production of Arthropod Pests and Vectors in Coal
Strip Mine Pools 178
The Application of Computer Graphics to the
Environmental Impact Assessment of Electric
Power Generating Facilities 179
Simulation of Fluid Mechanics of Dispersion of
Thermal Effluents 180
Develop Economic Projection Modeling Capability
Necessary to Drive Modular Energy and Environmental
System Planning Models at a Multicounty (Economic
Area) Level 181
Environmental Residual Output Model 182
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159
SA 1
ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF WATER-BORNE POLLUTANTS
ASSOCIATED WITH (STEAM-ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION)
Objective; Laboratory studies are being made to improve analytical proce-
dures and provide acceptable alternate analytical methods for several
pollutants in water samples from energy-critical areas in the Ohio and
Tennessee River Valleys. These studies are providing improved methods
for the analysis of water samples in the monitoring activities carried
out by TVA.
The specific tasks are being addressed: (1) acrolein by voltammetry at
position potentials; (2) total arsenic by voltammetry and compare to atomic
absorption and colorimetry; (3) cadmium, lead, copper, zinc simultaneously
by voltammetry; (4) digestion techniques for suspended and dissolved
metals by atomic emission plasma and comparison to atomic absorption;
(5) chromium (hexavalent and trivalent) simultaneously by voltammetry or
ion chromatography; (6) particulates (asbestos) by polarized light microscopy.
Results to Date: The milestone report "Voltammetric Determination of Acrolein"
has been published. The report number is EPA-600/7-76.005 (July 1976)
and a paper on it has been published by Lyman H. Howe, Anal Chem, 48 (14),
2167-9 (December 1976). The draft milestone report, "Trace Analysis of
Arsenic by Colorimetry, Atomic Absorption, and Polarography," was mailed
on January 13, 1977, to Dr. Gregory D'Alessio, Administrative Project
Officer, for review by the U. S. EPA.
User/Customer; The results of this research task are intended for use by
investigators responsible for enforcing minimal, safe pollutant discharges
and intelligently assessing possible environmental damage.
Significance to Energy Policy; It is anticipated that the methodologies
developed will be used to evaluate the environmental impact of specific
pollutants from any proposed energy-related technology.
Principal Investigator; Lyman H. Howe
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160
SA 2
DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO THE OPTIMIZATION
OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANT RADIOLOGICAL SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMS
Objactive; The objectives of this project are as follows: (1) to develop and
maintain a model quality assurance program for radiological surveillance.
The emphasis will be on development of a multiple-laboratory program; (2)
to develop improved radiological monitoring techniques; and (3) to develop
an optimized environmental radiological monitoring program.
Results to Date; A "Handbook for Analytical Quality Control in Radioanalytical
Laboratories" has been produced for use within TVA and is being revised for
nationwide distribution. A report, "Least Squares Resolution of Gamma-Ray
Spectra in Environmental Monitoring," will be published in the near future.
This report discussed spectral resolution of data from Nal(Tl) systems.
Also, an interlaboratory standards and crosscheck program has been established,
a study of Ge(Li) detector systems applications has been initiated, and
an evaluation of available surveillance program information has been started.
User/Customer; The results of this project are intended for use by personnel
responsible for analytical quality control in radioanalytical laboratories
or for implementation and evaluation of environmental radiological surveil-
lance programs.
Significance to Energy Policy; The results of this study are expected to be
used to improve analytical data reliability and comparability and, there-
fore, to improve environmental impact analysis for uranium fuel cycle
facilities. The methodologies developed also are expected to be used to
facilitate the efficient, reliable, and economical design of monitoring
systems.
Principal Investigator (Acting): Dale W. Nix. Research Investigators:
Larry G. Kanipe, Robert P- Powers, Harold J- Monroe.
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161
SA 4
Task 1
ATMOSPHERIC INTERACTION STUDIES
Objective; The objective of this task is to identify the major mechanisms
responsible for chemical transformations in coal-fired power plant plumes
as they disperse downwind.
Results to Date; Major field studies were conducted at TVA's Cumberland Steam
Plant during the 1975-76 winter and in the fall of 1976. Instrumented air-
craft were used to make continuous measurements and to collect filter sam-
ples within the plume envelope. The airborne data were supplemented by
ground-based meteorological measurements and stack gas analysis. Data
obtained during the first study indicate a rapid conversion of NO to NO ,
presumably via reaction with ambient ozone. The rate of conversion of
sulfur dioxide to sulfate was determined to be less than 1 percent per hour.
Design work on a 1,000 ft photochemical reaction chamber was completed.
Bids for construction of this facility are currently being reviewed. The
chamber will be used to study plume chemistry under controlled conditions.
User/Customer; The results from these studies are intended for use by investi-
gators responsible for environmental impact analysis of secondary pollutants
that are generated by chemical reactions in the atmosphere.
Signi ficance to Energy Po1icy: The information generated in these studies will
be useful in assessing the contribution of these stationary sources to
atmospheric levels of second generation pollutants.
Principal Investigator; James F. Meagher. Research Investigators: L. Stock-
burger, O. Huff, E. Bailey, and G. Shannon.
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162
SA 4
Task 2
REGIONAL ATMOSPHERIC TRANSPORT OF
COAL-FIRED POWER PLANT EMISSIONS
Objective; To characterize and quantify the mechanisms of long-range transport
of SOX emissions from coal-fired power plants and to determine the impact
of these emissions on regional levels of sulfates.
Results to Date; A field study was conducted during February-March 1976. A
250-km square area centered around west-central Tennessee was chosen because
it contains about 50 percent of all S02 emissions within the Tennessee
Valley region'. There are 16 meterological sites and 10 aerometric stations
within this area. In order to adequately describe the transport of S02/SOX
into and out of the study area, the ground monitoring sites were supple-
mented with aircraft sampling flights conducted by a Beaver U6A single-
engine plane. The aircraft was instrumented to measure sulfur dioxide,
particulates, sulfates, NO, NO , ozone, temperature, and dew point. Data
were obtained on a total of nine sampling days.
Preliminary analysis of the data gathered in this field study indicates
that: (1) There was a 20-30 percent increase in particulate concentrations
measured by ground-based samplers located near the outflow end of the TVA
airshed as compared with concentrations measured at the inflow end. The
sulfate concentrations obtained by ground samplers, as well as airborne
samplers, also displayed similar increases; (2) On certain days sulfate
flux measurements at the outflow end of the airshed were approximately
60-80 percent higher than the flux at the inflow end. However, these
data are preliminary and must be confirmed by further investigations.
User/Customer; The results from these studies are intended for use by
investigators responsible for the development and evaluation of air
quality criteria and establishment of sulfate standards and evaluations
of regional air quality.
Significance to Energy Policy; The information generated in these studies should
be useful in formulating policies relative to usage of sulfur-bearing fossil
fuels and regional air quality management decisions.
Principal Investigator; Vinaya Sharma. Research Investigators: Vinaya
Sharma and L. M. Reisinger.
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163
SA 5
EVALUATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF MODELS USED FOR RADIOLOGICAL IMPACT
ASSESSMENT OF GASEOUS RELEASES FROM NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
Objective: The objective of this project is the evaluation and refinement of
models used for radiological impact assessment of gaseous releases and
direct radiation from nuclear power plants.
Results to Date; While the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant was down for repair,
background gamma radiation levels were measured at approximately 83
locations around the plant. A report on these measurements is virtually
complete. Data are now being collected with the plant in operation, with
data collection and analysis proceeding according to models which have
been and are being developed to determine the presence and magnitude of
the gaseous effluent plume.
User/Customer: The results of this project are intended for use by personnel
responsible for radiological impact analysis or implementation and evalua-
tion of radiological surveillance programs. *
Significance to Energy Policy; The results are expected to be used to improve
the methodology of analytical dosimetry in impact analysis and to facili-
tate the economical development of uranium fuel cycle facility design and
the economical design of monitoring systems.
Principal Investigator (Acting): Phillip H. Jenkins. Research Investigators:
Richard L. Doty, William H. Wilkie.
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164
SA 6
Task 1
FIELD AND FILTEKED/UNFILTERED EXPOSURE CHAMBER STUDIES OF EFFECTS OF COAL-FIRED
POWER PLANT EMISSIONS ON CROP AND FOREST SPECIES OF ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE IN THE
SE UNITED STATES
Objective: The objective of these studies is to relate sulfur dioxide (SO2)
exposures to the occurrence of visible plant injury and impact on crop
yield.
Results to Date; Thirty air-exclusion field chambers were installed on five
1-acre study areas in the vicinity of the TVA Widows Creek Steam Plant in
1976. Thirty-nine 0.01-acre plots were planted to soybeans and an equal num-
ber to cotton. Extensive testing with smoke grenades and artificial SO2
fumigations was performed to characterize the efficiency of the air-exclusion
system. Harvest was completed November 11, 1976. Growth and yield data are
presently being analyzed.
User/Customer: The results from these studies are intended for use by inves-
tigators responsible for the development and evaluation of air quality
criteria and establishment of SO- standards.
Significance to Energy Policy; The information generated in these studies
should be useful in formulating policies relative to usage of sulfur-bearing
fossil fuels.
Principal Investigator: Norman L. Lacasse. Research Investigators: N. T. Lee,
J. C. Noggle, and C. McDuffie.
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165
SA 6
Task 2
DETERMINE DOSE-RESPONSE KINETICS FOR EFFECTS OF ATMOSPHERIC EMISSIONS FROM
COAL-FIRED POWER PLANTS ON SOYBEANS AND OTHER CROPS AND FOREST SPECIES OF
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE TO THE SE UNITED STATES
Objective; The objective of this task is to determine the effects of simulated
groundline concentrations of coal-fired power plant emissions (SO2 and N02) ,
with and without the presence of ozone, on foliar injury and yield of
selected food and fiber crops grown in the SE United States.
Results to Date; Growth chamber modifications have been completed. Construc-
tion and installation of a fumigation cabinet have been completed, and
testing of the fumigation cabinet is presently underway. Modifications
on the greenhouse have also been completed. Exposure of plant material
will begin as soon as the testing phase is completed.
User/Customer; The results of these studies will be useful to researchers
responsible for the development and evaluation of air quality criteria
and establishment of standards for atmospheric pollutants.
Significance to Energy Policy: The information generated in these studies
should be useful in determining environmental consequences of continuous
or increased usage of sulfur-bearing fossil fuels.
Principal Investigator; Norman L. Lacasse. Research Investigators: N. T. Lee,
and C. McDuffie.
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166
SA 6
Task 3
CHARACTERIZATION AND QUANTIFICATION OF THE TRANSFER, FATE, AND EFFECTS OF
SO , NOX, AND ACID PRECIPITATION ON TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS REPRESENTATIVE
OF THE TENNESSEE VALLEY REGION
Objective: The study described here has as an overall objective the characteri-
zation and quantification of the transfer, fate, and effects of S0x/ N0x/
and acid precipitation on deciduous forest ecosystems representative of
the Tennessee Vally region. From an ecological standpoint, emission
standards should be keyed to the loading factor acceptable to the most
sensitive system component. Little has been done to characterize the
fate of air pollutants, such as SOX and NOX, in forested systems. Re-
search conducted as part of this program will provide currently unavail-
able information on such key parameters as (1) the elemental composition
of wet and dry atmospheric deposition, (2) the ability of forest canopies
to scavenge airborne pollutants and the fate of these pollutants once
scavenged, (3) the influence of air pollutants on the general fertility
level of the soil and the ability of the soil to act as a long-term sink
for air pollutants, and (4) the determination of allowable changes in
system processes and transfers as a function of air quality.
Results to Date; In order that anticipated effects might be detected within
current-time and budget restraints, two similar forested watersheds typical
of those found on the Cumberland Plateau are being prepared as study
sites. The soils and vegetation complex on the Plateau are ideally suited
to this type of study in that when compared with other possible sites
within the Valley any positive or negative impact should be easier to
detect due to the thin, relatively infertile, and unbuffered nature of
the soil. The two sites chosen are located approximately 12 and 60 miles
from the Widows Creek Steam Plant. The 12-mile site has been subjected to
approximately 30 years of sulfur and nitrogen input at fairly heavy levels;
while the 60 mile site, located in a relatively remote area away from the
influence of any major anthropogenic sulfur or nitrogen source, is being
used to represent background conditions on the Plateau. Most of the
necessary physical features, including weirs, reference grids, power
connections and access roads, have been developed at each site. Instru-
mentation systems have been developed and will be installed shortly. Basic
vegetation and soil surveys have been completed and a series of intensive-
study plots have been established and inventoried.
An acid precipitation simulator system is being developed on the TVA
research farm located in Muscle Shoals. This system will allow the soil
and selected tree species to be treated with acidified precipitation and
at the same time be exposed to the ambient environment. This is accom-
plished through the use of an event-activated precipitation-exclusion
system. This system is nearly complete and will be activated in April
or May of this year.
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167
User/Customer; The results of this research task are intended for use by
investigators responsible for developing environmental standards and
long-term environmental impact analysis.
Significance to Energy Policy; With the above information, more realistic
input to the legislative process could be provided. In addition, enhanced
understanding of system characteristics, processes, and transfers will be
valuable in assessing the impact of other environmental perturbations,
i.e., strip mining, whole tree harvest, clear cutting, etc.
Principal Investigator: J. M. Kelly. Research Investigator: J. C. Noggle.
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168
SA 6
Task 4
EVALUATE THE BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF SULFUR DIOXIDE AND OTHER POLLUTANTS EMITTED
FROM STEAM PLANTS ON CROPS AND FOREST SPECIES, PARTICULARLY SOYBEANS AND PINES
Objective: The objective of this study is to measure the amount of sulfur
transferred from the atmosphere to soil and plants and to evaluate the
significance of this source of sulfur supply on the sulfur requirements
of plants.
Results to Date; Four techniques to measure sulfur accumulation from the
atmosphere- by soybean plants were compared during the 1976 growing sea-
son. Plant material is being processed for sulfur and sulfur-35 content.
User/Customer; Information derived from this study is intended for use by
those involved in making sulfur dioxide control strategy decisions.
Significance to Energy Policy; Information concerning the significance of
atmospheric sulfur as a source of sulfur for crop production is needed
before a comprehensive evaluation of sulfur dioxide control strategies
at fossil-fired power plants can be made.
Principal Investigator; J. C. Noggle
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169
SA 7
REMOTE SENSING OF SULFUR DIOXIDE
EFFECTS ON VEGETATION
Objective; To test, refine, and develop remote-sensing instrumentation and
techniques for surveillance of S02 effects on vegetation in the vicinity
of large coal-burning power plants.
Results to Date; Instrumentation has been selected and is undergoing tests
for adequacy. Spectral reflectance data and color image densitometrie
data are being analyzed in terms of detection and measurement of S02~
induced stress. Plans have been formulated for field experiments at
Shawnee and Widows Creek during the 1977 growing season. Greenhouse
and laboratory experiments for measuring spectral reflectance associated
with SO2-induced stress are underway.
User/Customer: Environmental scientists, biologists, chemists, meteorologists,
and remote-sensing specialists concerned with the problem of monitoring
emissions from large coal-fired power plants, whether government or private
industry.
Significance to Energy Policy; Remote-sensing methods will be developed and
tested as alternates to more expensive direct-contact monitors or field
surveillance techniques for assessment of injury or damage to vegetation
by air pollution. A long-range plan is to test and develop technology
for monitoring SO2 effects on vegetation from hyper-altitude platforms,
primarily satellite systems such as Landsat-1 and -2 using sophisticated
digital analysis.
Principal Investigator; C. Daniel Sapp
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170
SA 8
FATE AND EFFECTS OF ATMOSPHERIC EMISSIONS FROM
COOLING SYSTEMS ON TERRESTRIAL HABITATS
Objective: (1) To identify and characterize the effects of atmospheric
releases from power plant and heat dissipation systems, including heat,
moisture, and chemical elements under field conditions; (2) to collect
data that would be useful in testing dispersion models.
Results to Date; Instrumentation for air quality monitoring is being in-
stalled at six stations near the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant and at six
stations near the Sequoyah Nuclear Plant. Vegetation study plots will
be established at four of the stations at each nuclear plant in the
spring of 1977.
User/Customer; Information derived from this study is intended for use by
those involved in plume dispersion modeling and those responsible for
monitoring requirements at new plants.
Significance to Energy Policy; The knowledge gained from the study will be
useful in validating dispersion models, evaluating drift eliminator
efficiencies, assessing the long-term and short-term effects of cooling
tower operation on the surrounding environment and in determining the
extent of monitoring requirements at future cooling tower locations.
Principal Investigator; J. C. Noggle
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171
SA 9
ECOLOGICAL RECOVERY AFTER RECLAMATION OF
TOXIC SPOILS LEFT BY COAL SURFACE MINING
Objective; The objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness
of land stabilization treatments toward restoring a damaged ecosystem.
The study involves a problem watershed in which 400 acres of forested
land were disturbed by coal surface mining in the early 1970's. Unsuc-
cessful reclamation efforts by the mine operator resulted in adverse
environmental impacts within an 11-square-mile watershed that includes
a city water supply reservoir.
Results to Date: Project objectives are being accomplished by applying
remedial land treatments and evaluating their effectiveness by measuring
the degree of recovery of affected terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Each fall one-third of the affected land surface is treated until 300
of the most seriously impacted acres are covered—TVA underwrites treat-
ment costs, EPA provides monitoring funds. The investigations are designed
to measure changes in soil, vegetation, small mammal, avifauna, and
receiving stream ecology in response to the selected treatments.
While ecological response to remedial treatment of the adverse site is
expected to be slow, some initial trends are indicated. Immediate cover
of herbaceous species resulted from liming, fertilizing, and seeding con-
ducted to date. In two tributaries of the main drainage water quality is
beginning to show some improvement. One drainage has also shown an in-
crease in diversity and abundance of aquatic invertebrates. Future aquatic
sampling and vegetation surveys will indicate whether those improvement
are permanent, or if the benefits are temporary.
User/Customer; The results of this research are intended for use by the
scientific community, professionals in public agencies, and representa-
tives of the mining industry, especially those engaged in impact analyses,
environmental control, and reclamation.
Significance to Energy Policy; It is anticipated that the methodologies
developed will be helpful in minimizing adverse ecological impacts of
future surface mining of problem coal seams occurring in Appalachia.
Principal Investigator; Thomas G. Zarger. Research Investigators: Joe B.
Maddox and William M. Seawell.
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172
SA 10
Task 1
INFORMATION SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT
Objective: The objective of this task is to develop capabilities to measure
and evaluate environmental impacts of energy-related technologies on
important biotic assemblages in the aquatic environment.
Results to Date; The techniques tested include correlation, distance/ and
association coefficient matrices; hierarchical diversity; Q- and R-mode
cluster analysis; and Q- and R-mode multidimensional scaling. With the
completion of the data evaluation, species associations have been identified
for subsequent use in adapting or creating statistical and/or ecosystem
stimulation models to accomplish the stated objective.
User/Customer: The results of this research task are intended for use by
investigators responsible for environmental impact analysis and long-term
biological monitoring programs.
Significance to Energy^ Policy; It is anticipated that the methodologies
developed will be used to evaluate the environmental consequences of
any proposed energy-related technology.
Principal Investigator: John S. Grossman. Research Investigator: James
R. Wright, Jr.
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173
SA 10
Task 2
ACUTE THERMAL EFFECTS, AQUATIC INSECTS
Objective; The objective of this task is to provide data on the acute effects
of thermal plume entrainment on aquatic insects.
Results to Date; Data from ongoing 316 (a) studies have served as the basis
for species selection and study site location. The species selected for
initial evaluation are the burrowing mayfly, Hexagenia bilineata, and the
chironomid midges, Chironomus spp. and Coelotanypus spp.
Laboratory colonies of the aforementioned species have been established.
Hexagenia bilineata eggs have been incubated at different temperatures to
assess the effect on development time. Thermal tolerance and the effect
of acclimation on tolerance of immatures and eggs for each species will be
determined by bioassay. Field studies on population parameters in thermal
and ambient areas have been conducted along with studies on drift.
User/Customer; The results of this research task are intended primarily for
use by investigators responsible for environmental impact analysis.
Significance to Energy Policy; It is anticipated that the methodologies
developed will be used to evaluate and to mitigate the environmental
consequence of operating or siting energy facilities (fossil or nuclear
steam-electric stations).
Principal Investigator; Richard D. Urban. Research Investigator: Kenneth
J. Tennessen.
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174
SA 10
Task 3
BIOCHEMICAL METHODOLOGY, AQUATIC THERMAL IMPACTS
Objective; The objective of this task is to investigate thermal impacts on
bluegills as measured by physiological and biochemical changes in the
blood.
Results to Date; Our approach is to subject the fish to various thermal plume
conditions associated with constant and oscillating background temperatures.
Peripheral blood from the caudal peduncle is used for morphological and
chemical analyses, including microanalysis of the chemical constituents
of the plasma.
We have worked out most of our analytical methods on available fish—viz/
catfish, goldfish, and bluegills. Currently, we are studying population
density effects on these fish to establish carrying capacities for main-
taining and culturing fish for our thermal experimental work. To date,
we have obtained data on catfish and goldfish and have initiated similar
studies on bluegills. The data are currently being reduced for statistical
analyses.
User/Customer; The results of this research task are intended for use by
investigators responsible for analysis of potential environmental impacts
and development of biological monitoring programs.
Significance to Energy Policy; It is anticipated that the methodologies
developed will be used to minimize the cost of monitoring operation of
energy technologies.
Principal Invest!gator; Sylvia A. Murray. Research Investigator: Colette
G. Burton.
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175
SA 10
Task 8
BIOMONITORING, MOLLUSKS, AND OTHERS
Objective; The objective of this task is to quantify the role of bioaccumu-
lation in cycling of trace elements (selected metals and radionuclides)
released to aquatic ecosystems by energy technologies (coal combustion
and nuclear steam-electric stations).
Results to Date; We have tested selected, widely distributed mollusk species
for use as biomonitors. The methodologies for taking tissue and fluid
samples have been evaluated to the extent that recommendation for selecting
methodologies will be made available early in 1977. Alternative chemical
extraction and analyses are under development and will also be made
available in 1977.
User/Customer; The results of this research task will be of most value to
those selecting monitoring methods for evaluation of energy technologies.
Significance to Energy Policy; It is anticipated that the methodologies
developed will be used to minimize costs of long-term biological monitoring
programs.
Principal Investigator; Billy G. Isom. Research Investigators: Charles
Gooch, Larry T. Neill.
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176
SA 10
Task 9
EVALUATE WATER INTAKE, ZOOPLANKTON ENTRAINMENT
Objective: The objective of the research project is to determine the best
type of intake design to mitigate deleterious effects of entrainment on
the zooplankton community of a water body.
Results to Date; Entrainment effects (316b) studies were initiated in 1974
at eleven TVA fossil-fueled steam-electric stations. Data from these
studies have been used as guides for selecting appropriate study sites.
Intake evaluations will be conducted at Gallatin, Johnsonville, Bull
Run, Browns Ferry, and Colbert steam-electric stations.
To accomplish this goal, several different types of intake designs and
sitings will be evaluated as to the rate of entrainment, the percentage
of the community entrained, and the possible effects of the entrainment
upon the community. The results of this research will permit a descrip-
tion of zooplankton distribution in response to naturally occurring '
phenomena (e.g., currents, thermal stratification, pressure changes
induced by objects in the water column, etc.). By knowing these responses,
criteria can be developed for use in designing and locating intakes which
will minimize the entrainment of zooplankton.
jJser/Customer; The results of this research are intended for use by those
selecting and designing intake structures and by those investigators
responsible for environmental impact analysis.
Significance to Energy Policy: It is anticipated that this research will
provide the basis for selecting site specific intakes with the minimal
environmental impact resulting from entrainment.
Principal Investigator; Richard D. Urban. Research Investigator: Donald
L. Dycus.
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177
SA 11
STRIP MINE DRAINAGE WATER QUALITY WITH
EMPHASIS ON TOXIC SUBSTANCES
Objective; The objective of this project is to demonstrate methodologies for
predicting the impact of strip mining on downstream biotic communities,
based upon the characteristics of the site to be mined.
Results to Date; Sampling programs have been initiated at contour and area
type mining operations. These programs include streamflow and rainfall
gaging at both operations, as well as fisheries, periphyton, and macro-
benthic surveys at area mined sites. Several model components have been
developed including a nonpoint source water quality model, a continuous
stream flow model, and a storm hydrograph model. Other model components
currently being developed or evaluated include additional small basin
water quality models, water quality/quantity routing models, a low trophic
level stream biota model, and a fisheries resource model.
User/Customer: These methodologies could be employed by regulatory or
planning agencies, or by strip miners.
Significance to Energy Policy; These methodologies would be especially useful
in determining the effects of multi-site mining on large watersheds.
Principal Investigator: R. J. Ruane. Research Investigators: R. P. Betson,
Doye B. Cox, John S. Grossman, and W. C. Barr.
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178
SA 12
PRODUCTION OF ARTHROPOD PESTS AND
VECTORS IN COAL STRIP MINE POOLS
Objective; Primary objectives are to identify and quantify the vector and
noxious species of arthropods present and to predict their appearance
and importance as related to coal strip mining operations.
Results to Date; Monthly field surveys are being conducted to qualify and
quantify arthropod species composition in strip mine pools according to
pond age classifications. Six species representing two genera of mosquitoes
have been collected from the ponds. A total of 18 families of insects have
been collected by aquatic dip net and Ekman dredge sampling in the 9 study
pools. Results from vegetation inventories have shown a paucity of plants,
both in species and in numbers. Typha latifolia and Scripus cyperinus were
the dominant plants in the ponds. There appears to be no significant
difference in the pH of the water among the study ponds.
User/Customer; The results of this research task are intended for use by
those responsible for restoration and management of coal extraction lands.
Significance to Energy Policy; It is anticipated that the methodologies
developed will be used to evaluate the environmental consequences of
coal extraction and restoration.
Principal Investigator; Eugene Pickard. Research Investigator: Eugene Pickard
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179
SA 15
THE APPLICATION OF COMPUTER GRAPHICS TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF ELECTRIC POWER GENERATING FACILITIES
Objective; The objective of this research is to demonstrate the feasibility,
practicality and desirability of using interactive computer graphics as
a means of expediting and improving the environmental impact assessment
of existing and proposed power generating facilities.
Results to Date; A state-of-the-art review has been conducted to determine
existing applications of computer graphics to environmental assessment,
hardware and software capabilities, and computer graphics techniques
which may have application to impact assessment but have only been
applied to other types of engineering analysis. Demonstrations have been
developed for three general types of assessment activities. These include
(1) the analysis and display of output from computer models describing
the dispersal of pollutants in the environment, (2) the development of a
computer assisted geographical information system for impact assessment
and (3) the analysis of socioeconomic impacts of proposed electric
generating facilities.
User/Customer: The results of this research are intended to be used by
scientists and engineers who conduct impact assessment activities.
Benefits which can be realized include a savings in analysis time and
money, the capability for conducting more sophisticated analyses and
the availability of improved information for decision making.
Significance to Energy Policy; Although computer graphics involves the visual
display of data, the ultimate goal of this research is to develop an inter-
active analysis capability which rapidly relates environmental impacts to
control technology alternatives and their attendant costs.
Principal Investigator; Malcolm C. Babb. Research Analyst: Myra P. Smith
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180
SA 30
SIMULATION OF FLUID MECHANICS OF
DISPERSION OF THERMAL EFFLUENTS
Objective; The objective is to develop computer models for analyzing the
effects of thermal discharges from steam plants on temperatures and
velocities in the receiving body of water.
Results to Date; Two types of computer models have been developed. The
first is a three-dimensional, unsteady model which provides relatively
fine scale resolution of an approximately 10-kilometer reach of the river
near the plant. The time scale for this analysis is on a period of hours
or days. The second broad class is a two-dimensional, unsteady model which
encompasses an entire reservoir or a long reach of river. Lateral gradients
in this model are considered negligible and the time span is of the order
of months. The three-dimensional model has been used in an environmental
evaluation of a TVA steam plant. The two-dimensional model has been used
to simulate discharges from a submerged diffuser and for computing tempera-
tures in a deep storage reservoir downstream of a steam plant.
User/Customer; Results of these models will be useful for evaluating ecological
effects of proposed or existing steam plants.
Significance to Energy Policy: These models quantify the interactive effect
between steam plants and provide an evaluation of the effects of proposed
modifications to condenser cooling water systems.
Principal Investigator: R. J. Ruane. Research Investigator: William R. Waldrop
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181
DEVELOP ECONOMIC PROJECTION MODELING CAPABILITY NECESSARY TO DRIVE
MODULAR ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEM PLANNING MODELS AT A
MULTICOUNTY (ECONOMIC AREA) LEVEL
Objective; As a part of its ongoing regional economic research program, TVA
is in the process of developing a regional economic model of the TVA
region and its principal subregions. The objectives of the work are
to expand the existing model for use in: (1) assessing an area's
sensitivity to various national parameters; (2) evaluating the impact
in small areas (economic area or multicounty planning area) on popu-
lation, labor force, employment etc., of a major construction project,
e.g., construction of a large nuclear plant; (3) providing the macro-
economic data base at a multicounty level that is necessary for
developing alternative land-use plans for rigorous site-specific
analysis.
Results to Date; Much of the conceptual work has been done and the model is
being run for the TVA power service area; however, a significant effort
is required to make the model an operational tool for multicounty areas.
At the present stage of development, output of the model consists of
population by age and race, net migration, number of households, and
employment in six manufacturing and five nonmanufacturing categories.
The present model can be used for any geographic area for which the
input tables can be completed.
During the past year, the two major activities have been to make the
existing model operational for the TVA power service area and to continue
the developmental work necessary to improve the model. The developmental
work has concentrated upon improving and expanding the manufacturing
employment portion of the model. Equations have been estimated for 20
two-digit SIC manufacturing industries for 47 BEA economic areas in the
Southeast using data for the period 1969-1973. Sufficient data have
not been available for a thorough treatment of market linkages across
BEA economic areas. These data are being developed. The model has
been reprogrammed to include the coefficients from the estimated equations
for the two-digit industries.
User/Customer: The results of this research are intended for use by those
planners and decision-makers who must plan future energy and environ-
mental programs and facilities.
Significance to Energy Policy; It is anticipated that the model will be used:
(1) to assess an area's sensitivity to various national demographic and
economic variables; (2) to evaluate the impact in multicounty areas on
population, labor force, employment, etc., of a major construction
project such as a large energy-generating facility; and (3) for providing
the macroeconomic data base at a multicounty level that is necessary for
developing alternative land-use plans for rigorous site-specific analysis.
Principal Investigator: Hubert Hinote
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182
ENVIRONMENTAL RESIDUAL OUTPUT MODEL
Objective: Modifications of power system simulation required to feed
data to equations relating expected environmental residual production
will be completed. Residuals to be considered will be finalized and
equations relating expected power system operation to expected
residual production will be developed. Necessary data and coordinated
TVA Power Program Integrated Planning Model (IPM) data library will be
determined and gathered. An environmental reporting model will be
developed. The file design and software development of the environ-
mental residual model which displays the air residuals, flyash and
SO2, will be coordinated with the IPM.
Results to Date; Work has primarily concerned studies of air and water
pollutants. This has involved discussion with other groups within
TVA so that the output of the Environmental Residual Output Model
would be useful for other research and planning efforts. Areas of
interest are: S02 emissions; flyash; NOX emissions; sludge disposal
from scrubbers; sulfates and nitrates; polycyclic organic materials
(POM); trace metals and poor sensitivity of measuring methods at low
concentrations; synergistic efforts of chemicals and heat in water;
and fine particulates.
Only the SO2 emissions and flyash have been investigated extensively.
User/Customer: The results of this research task are intended for use by
investigators responsible for environmental impact analysis and long-
term biological monitoring programs.
Significance to Energy Policy: It is anticipated that the model will be
used as a method of determining an approximate environmental impact
for various power system plans and as input to dispersion models that
require gross point source emission data.
Principal Investigator; Douglas H. Walters
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TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions on the reverse before c<
EPA-600/7-77-048
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO.
TLE AND SUBTITLE
Environmental Effects of Energy-
Abstracts of Selected Projects
Supported by EPA Funds.
REPORT DATE
April 1977
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
AUTHOR(S)
Philip L. Johnson, Editor
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
Oak Ridge Associated Universities
Oak Ridge, Tennessee
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Washington, D.C.
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
1NE-625A
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
EPA-IAG-P5-0685
2. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
Office of Energy, Minerals and Industry
Office of Research & Development
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D. C. 20460
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Interim
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
EPA/600/17
5. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
This project is part of the EPA-planned and coordinated Federal Interagency
Energy/Environment R&D Program.
16. ABSTRACT '
This report contains project abstracts prepared for an Environmental
Effects of Energy Conference held at Savannha, GA, on December 2 and 3,
1976, to review two segments of the Environmental Protection Agency's
interagency energy/environment program: ecological effects and
environmental transport processes. The purposes were to characterize
the science, its relevance for management, as well as to identify
critical gaps in information. These abstracts were one important
input for this evaluation.
(Circle One or More)
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
b.IDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS C, COSAT! Field/Group
^Environments}
Earth AtiTmsphere
Environmental Engineering
Geography
Hydrology, Limnology
Biochemistry
Earth Hydrosphere
Combustion
Refining
Energy Conversion
Physical Chemistry
Materials Handling
Inorganic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Chemical Engineering
Processes;- ^>L>
>r Enacts '? >b1i^S! -,
SjLSE£Tj
3. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
Public
19; SECURITY CLASS (This Report)
21. NO. OF PAGES
isa
20. SECURITY CLASS (This page)
22. PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (9-73)
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