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I. INTRODUCTION
An airborne remote sensing study of thermal discharges into Lake
Ontario, from powerplants on its southeast shore, was conducted on 30
July and 1 Aug. 1974. The study was undertaken at the request of the
Enforcement Division, Region II, Environmental Protection Agency, New
York, N.Y.
The study area [Fig. 1-1] covered the shore of Lake Ontario from
Smoky Point 21 km (13 mi) east of Rochester, N.Y., to Mexico Bay in the
southeast corner of the lake. Three existing powerplants, the R. E.
Ginna Nuclear Power Station, the Oswego Steam Power Station, and the
Nine Mile Point Nuclear Power Station, discharge cooling water into the
southern part of the lake [Fig. 1-2]. At Nine Mile Point, a second
powerplant, the J. A. Fitzpatrick Nuclear Station, is under construction
and a third plant, the Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station No. 2, is plan-
ned. The Oswego fossil-fueled station is being enlarged, and additional
power stations are planned at Sterling, Russell, Morrison and Sommerset.
Other much smaller thermal loads enter the lake from sewage treatment
plants and an industrial facility in this geographical area.
Thermal infrared imagery of the lakeshore in the vicinity of the
three existing plants was obtained with the thermal channel of an in-
ternally calibrated multispectral scanner mounted in a research air-
craft. During each flight, water temperatures were measured at the
three powerplants by ground crews. The airborne imagery and water
temperature data were used to characterize the recorded thermal fields
or plumes.
The purposes of this study were:
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1. To document the presence of the thermal field resulting
from each powerplant's thermal discharge
2. To document the surface area in each thermal field that has
a surface temperature 1.7°C (3°F) or greater above ambient
surface temperatures of Lake Ontario
3. To document, to the extent practicable, the encroachment of
thermal fields into known inshore nursery areas of the many
species of fish found in Lake Ontario.
The results of this study will be used in the preparation of the
National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for
these powerplants. These data will also provide a baseline for future
compliance monitoring of these discharges.
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Figure 1—1 Study Area, Southeast Shore of Lake Ontario
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LENNOX (2000 MW) cf.
PICKERING
(2160 MW)
LAKE
ONTARIO
MORRISON
(IOOOMW)
SOMERSET
(838 MW)
GINNA
(470MW)
HAMILTON
RUSSELL
(282 MW)
ROCHESTER
RICHARD L. HEARN
(!200 MW)
LAKEVIEW
(2400 MW)
FITZPATRICK
(850 MW)
NINE MILE POINT
( 1710 MW)
OSWEGO 1-6
(2187 MW )
STERLING
(1000 MW)
Figure 1—2 Proposed and Installed Lake Ontario Powerplants
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11. SUMMARY
On 30 July and 1 Aug. 1974, a remote sensing study was conducted
over southeast Lake Ontario. An airborne thermal infrared sensor re-
corded the surface characteristics of the thermal discharges and re-
sulting thermal fields from one fossil-fueled and two nuclear-fueled
electric power stations along the lakeshore. The stations observed were
the Oswego Steam Power Station, Oswego, N.Y., Ginna Nuclear Power Station
Pultneyville, N.Y., and Nine Mile Point Nuclear Power Station, Unit No.
1, Scriba, N.Y.
^
The investigation was conducted in warm weather during a period of
nearpeak power demand and warm receiving water temperatures. Surface
water temperature measurements at various locations in the vicinity of
each Station's thermal discharge constituted ground truth obtained by
field crews at the time of flight.
Isarthermal* maps depicting areas of equal surface water temper-
atures were prepared from the infrared imagery which was digitally
recorded on magnetic tape during the mission. The actual temperatures
of the isartherms were determined by the internally calibrated infrared
blackbodies in the multispectral scanner (thermal sensor). These tem-
peratures were verified and/or normalized by comparison with the ground
truth temperatures. The isarthermal maps characterize the behavior of
the thermal fields under the weather conditions that existed at the time
of flight.
* Isarthermal indicates an area of the water's surface displaying an
essentially constant temperature, in contrast to isothermal which is
a line of constant temperature.
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Water temperature criteria proposed by the State of New York have
not been approved by EPA. The present standard is given in Section III,
and the proposed standard reads:
The water temperature at the surface of a lake shall not
be raised more than 1.7°C (3.0°F), except in designated
mixing zones, over the temperature that existed before the
addition of heat of artificial origin.
No mixing zones have been established in Lake Ontario as of Feb.
1975-for the thermal discharges discussed in this report.
The thermal fields of the Ginna and Nine Mile Point Nuclear Power
Stations did not comply with the proposed standards [Table II-l]. The
thermal fields from the Oswego Steam Power Station and the Oswego River
combined in the Oswego Harbor, forming a thermal field. That field
extended along shore eastward to the Nine Mile Point Nuclear Power
Station field, a distance of 11 km (6.8 mi). The separate contributions
to the overall field could not be determined.
Each of the three thermal fields was contiguous with a significant
amount of the shoreline presumed to be spawning and nursery areas for
the native fish of Lake Ontario.
Powerplants proposed or under construction will substantially
increase the heat load rejected to this portion of Lake Ontario during
the next 5-10 years. Completion of Units 5 and 6 at Oswego will in-
crease the probability that warm surface waters from the Oswego vicinity
will move along shore to Nine Mile Point as observed during this study.
In addition, under predominant wind and lake current conditions, the
thermal plume from the Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station wil'l extend
eastward over the discharge point of the Fitzpatrick Nuclear Plant,
resulting in interaction of the plumes.
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Table II-l
Summary of Power Station Characteristics
Thermal
Discharge .
Characteristics
Flight Date
Capacity (MW)
Cooling Water Use
m3/min
gpm
Temperature Difference
°C
°F
Thermal Field Area
(Total) mhectares
acres
Thermal Field Area
At >2.2°C (3.9°F)
hectares
acres
% of total
Thermal Field Area
At >1.4°C (2.6°F)
hectares
acres
X of total
Distance of Field
Continguous With
Shoreline
m
ft
Ginna Nuclear Power Station
Pultneyville, N.Y.
7/30/74
490
1,515
400,000
7.8
14
130
265
40
85
32
85
175
66
530
1,740
8/1/74
490
1,515
400,000
6.7
12
175
355
99
200
57
120
250
71
560
1,840
Oswego Steam Power Station
Oswego, N.Y.tf
7/30/74
320
940
248,000
3.9
7
200
400
45
95
24
105
215
53
-
•
8/1/74
320
940
248,000
2.7
5
180
360
160
320
67
185
375
79
11,000
36,000
Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station
Scriba, N.Y.
7/30/74
610
984
260,000
17.8
32
80
165
25
50
30
35
70
41
1,400
4,200
8/1/74
610
984
260,000
17.8
32
570
1,160
150
305
25
335
680
58
4,590
13,780
t Temperature Diff:
Thermal Field Area:
At >2.2°C or 1.4°C:
Temperature difference between the thermal discharge and the ambient
receiving water.
Overall surface area of the thermal field.
Area of the thermal field that was at least 2.2°C or 1.4°C warmer than
the ambient receiving water temperature.
Linear measure of thermal field touching shoreline.
Distance of Field:
tt The thermal field from Oswego Harbor was significantly affected by the Oswego River discharge.
ttt 1 hectare = 10,000 m2 = 2.471 acres.
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8
RECOMMENDATIONS
After operations begin at the Oswego Power Station Unit 5 and the
Fitzpatrick Nuclear Power Station, quarterly remote sensing flights
should be performed over the section of shoreline from the Ginna Nuclear
Power Station eastward through Mexico Bay. The area should be observed
under various weather conditions. Such study would reveal the behavior
of the overall thermal field resulting from the five discrete thermal
discharges as a function of meteorological and hydrological conditions.
This information would be useful to ascertain the physical and bio-
logical degradation imposed upon the southeastern reaches of Lake On-
tario due to the thermal stress.
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III. DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Ginna Nuclear Power Station, Nine Mile Point Nuclear Power Station,
and Oswego Steam Power Station are in the northeast portion of the Lake
Ontario Plain drainage basin. This basin varies in elevation from about
75-200 m (245-650 ft). Exclusive of lake surface area, the basin covers
about 90,000 km2 (34,800 mi2) in New York and the Providence of Ontario.
Physiographically it can be classified into two regions, Lake Plains and
Appalachian Upland. The power generating stations are on the southeast
lakeshore in the flat rolling plains area. This strip of land, varying
in width from 8-50 km (5-31 mi) lies parallel to the lake shoreline and
is dissected by many small streams.
Outside the Rochester and Syracuse urban centers, the study area is
rural in population density and largely agricultural. The 1970 pop-
ulation in the study area was 1,555,000 (Oswego, Cayuga, Onondaga,
Wayne, Monroe, Seneca, and Ontario counties). The two large urban
areas, Rochester and Syracuse, have respective populations of 296,000
and 197,000. Manufacturing is centered in and around the urban areas.
The land supports the production of fruits, field crops, dairy products,
and livestock.
Lake Ontario is the smallest and easternmost lake of the Great
Lakes. With a surface area of 19,000 km2 (7,340 mi2), the lake is 305
km (190 mi) long, 80 km (50 mi) wide at its widest point, and has a
shoreline length of 1,170 km (726 mi). The average depth of the lake is
91 m (300 ft) with a maximum depth of 245 m (805 ft). Lake Ontario,
with a large volume of water per unit of surface area, is the world's
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10
eleventh largest lake in volume. About 85% of its water mass Is below
the epilimnion.*1 Considering stratification, circulation, and mixing,
the computed retention time for water in the lake is about 15 years.
CLIMATE
The climate in the area is controlled by the St. Lawrence Valley
storm track, but it is moderated by Lake Ontario. The atmosphere cir-
culation pattern is affected by the prevaling west to east winds and by
storm systems moving from the other Great Lakes or the Mississippi
Valley. A large portion of the rainfall and almost all of the major
snowstorms result from cyclonic (counterclockwise) systems carrying
moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. The systems move from the country's
interior to the Atlantic Ocean through the St. Lawrence Valley. Occa-
sionally the area is hit by coastal storms traveling northward up the
Atlantic Coast. The moderating effect of Lake Ontario on the area
climate is twofold. Heat stored in the lake during the summer is dis-
sipated in the fall and early winter, extending the warm weather period
later into the fall. The onset of spring is delayed when the lake
absorbs heat and keeps temperatures at cooler levels. Hence, the net
effect is cold, snowy winters and moderately wet, mild summers.
Winters are usually long with an average temperature of about -4°C
(25°F), while summer temperatures average close to 21°C (70°F). Long-
term records reveal extremes of 32'C (-25°F) and 38°C (100°F). The
general delay in the onset of spring and vegetation development also
create a good environment for growth of fruits and vegetables. The
frost-free season is from 150-180 days (longest in New York), resulting
in a growing season beginning about the last week of April and ending
about the third week in October.
* Epilimnion is the upper layer of warm water which contains more
oxygen than the lower layers.
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11
Precipitation is moderate with a rather uniform distribution
throughout the year. The average annual precipitation is about 915 cm
(36 in), with most summertime moisture in the form of thundershowers.
The average annual snowfall is about 2,030 mm (80 in) averaging
300-600 mm (1-2 ft) per month, December through March.
The prevailing winds during most of the year are from the southwest
and approach the direction of the long axis of the lake. During winter
months, the wind direction shifts to the west. High winds are usually
associated with intense winter storms and severe thunderstorms.
HYDROLOGY
The inflow to Lake Ontario comes from the Niagara River at the west
end, the Trent River from Canada, the Genesee, Oswego, Salmon, and Black
Rivers along the southeast shore, and numerous small streams. The
Niagara River carries the major portion of the inflow (about 85%) into
Lake Ontario from the other Great Lakes. The average annual flow of the
Niagara River is 5,800 m3/sec (205,000 cfs). The Genesee River, which
flows from the Applachian Front, and the Oswego, which drains the Finger
Lakes area, have average annual flows of 79 m3/sec (2,800 cfs) and 184
m3/sec (6,500 cfs), respectively. The Salmon and Black Rivers flow from
the Adirondacks, and the Trent River drains a portion of the Providence
of Ontario. The St. Lawrence River carries the outflow (6,765 m3/sec
or 239,000 cfs) from Lake Ontario to the Atlantic Ocean, some 750 km
(1,200 mi) away.
The lake surface elevation exhibits both periodic and random fluc-
tuations over different time periods. Long term records reveal that the
water surface averages about 85 m (250 ft) above mean sea level. Dams
on the St. Lawrence River, controlled by the International St. Lawrence
River Board of Control, regulate the lake level on a seasonal basis so
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12
that it does not drop below the 74.01 m (242.8 ft), agreed to in 1955
and in effect since 1960.
The circulation of the Take is generally in a counterclockwise di-
rection. The predominant surface currents in Lake Ontario are from west
to east, with a tendency to move toward the south shore. These cur-
rents, with a mean speed of about 0.03 m/sec (0.1 ft/sec), develop
primarily from wind stress on the water surface and react rapidly to
changes in wind speed and direction.
Tides in Lake Ontario are small, less than 25 mm (1 in.). Seiches
generally have amplitudes of less than 2/3 m (2 ft). However, wind-
driven surface waves 4.5 m (15 ft) high can occur.
Lake Ontario is a dimictic lake (both spring and fall turnover)
with a large thermal gradient in the summer. Surface temperatures vary
from about 0.5°C (33°F) in February when the lake is essentially iso-
thermal to 22°C (72°F) in July when it is vertically stratified. During
warm weather upwellings of cold, nutrient rich, bottom water (resulting
from storm action) lead to rapid and sudden changes in inshore water
temperature.
Lake Ontario is also oligotrophic (low production of organic
matter) with a trend towards becoming eutrophic (rich in organic matter)
inasmuch as most of the inflow, including nutrients, comes from Lake
Erie. Changes in chemical characteristics over the last half century
approximate those exhibited by Lake Erie with sodium, chloride, sulfate,
and calcium concentrations increasing. High total dissolved solids and
low transparency reflect a eutrophic trend. Since much of the lake is
over 35 m (115 ft) deep with dissolved oxygen concentrations at 90-100%
of saturation, full utilization of nutrients does not occur in this
water; however, inshore waters are less oligotrophic than the offshore
waters.
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13
APPLICABLE WATER QUALITY REGULATIONS
Within New York's water quality criteria (amended 21 Feb. 1974),
the south and east shores of Lake Ontario are under the jurisdiction of
special classifications and standards developed by the Great Lakes Water
Quality Agreement of 1972 for international boundary waters. The Offi-
cial Compilation of the Codes, Rules, and Regulations of the State of
New York, Part 702.1, Title 6 for "Class A-Special Waters" defines the
best usage of these waters to be "for drinking, culinary or food pro-
cessing purposes, primary contact recreation and any other uses." The
standards include the following specifications regarding thermal dis-
charges:
No discharge which will be injurious to fish life or make the
waters unsafe or unsuitable for any best usage determined
for the specific waters which .are assigned to this class.
Application of this standard to lakes is interpreted in Part 704.1
(Criteria Governing Thermal Discharges), which states:
The water temperature at the surface of a lake shall not be
raised more than 1.7°C (3°F) over the temperature that existed
before the addition of heat of artificial origin, except that
within a radius of 91 m (300 ft) or equivalent area* from the
point of discharge, this temperature may be exceeded. In lakes
subject to stratification, the thermal discharges shall be con-
fined to the epilimnetic area.
Lake Ontario is, of course, stratified and subject to these criteria,
The State of New York is, as of Jan. 1975, proposing to change, upon EPA
approval, the thermal discharge standards which would modify Part 704.1
above to read:
* Recognizing no flexibility to a fixed radius of 91 m (300 ft), pro-
vision is made to permit a greater or lesser area under exemption by
the New York State Commissioner of Environment Conservation as long
as "best usage" specifications are met.
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14
The water temperature at the surface of a lake shall not be
raised more than 1.7°C (3°F) over the temperature that existed
before the addition of heat of artificial origin.
Mixing zones are not specified, but are to be developed later. And,
the standards exclude powerplants built and in operation before 20 Oct.
1974, a point causing some controversy.
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IV. STUDY TECHNIQUES FOR THERMAL DISCHARGES
AIRCRAFT AND FLIGHT DATA
This remote sensing mission was carried out by a research aircraft
from the NASA-Lewis Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The aircraft
was instrumented with a multispectral scanner and photographic equipment
to perform environmental measurements.
The flight parameter data listed below provide the specific values
of the aerial reconnaissance variables.
Dates of the flight: 30 July 1974 and 1 Aug. 1974
Times of flight: 12:46 p.m. to 4:13 p.m. and 11:42 a.m. to
3:48 p.m., respectively
Target areas: R. E. Ginna Nuclear Power Station; Oswego Steam
Power Station, Units No. 1-4; the mouth of the Oswego River;
and Nine Mile Point Nuclear Power Station, Number 1
Airspeed of aircraft: 200 km/hr (120 mph)
Average aircraft altitude above water level: 480 m (1,500 ft)
and 760 m (2,500 ft)
Sensors used: Bendix Modular Multispectral Scanner
SENSOR DATA
A Bendix Modular Multispectral Scanner was the sensor used for this
study. The sensor is mounted beneath the floor of a C-47 Research
Aircraft. During flight, a rotating mirror scans through the instru-
ment's field of view along cross track (a line at right angles to the
flight direction of the aircraft) with a look-angle of 2.5 milliradians
(mrad). The image is formed by successively recording the cross track
data as the aircraft progresses along its flight path. A control sets
the rotational speed of the mirror so that a contiguous scan is provided
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16
at a rate adjusted to the ratio of aircraft velocity to altitude above
the ground level. In a single rotation the scanner mirror sweeps
through the sensor's cross track look-angle, in a direction -50° and
+50° to the aircraft nadir. Then, during the remainder of the complete
rotation, the scan mirror/detector assembly views two calibrated black-
bodies, which are a tungsten lamp calibration source, and a reference
source to measure the incoming solar radiation. The blackbodies and
reference source are mounted in the housing assembly of the scan mirror
and are monitored after every scan line.
As illustrated in Figure IV-1, the incident light is directed from
the rotating flat scanner mirror into a telescope where it is directed
onto a beam splitter. The infrared radiation is reflected into a
mercury-cadmium-telluride (Hg-Cd-Tl) liquid nitrogen cooled solid state
detector. The visible radiation and near infrared between 0.4 and l.Oy
is passed through the beam splitter and into a grating spectrometer.
There the radiation is dispersed and focused onto ten silicon detectors
having spectral bands centered at the wavelengths given in Table IV-1.
Band 11 in the thermal band is also included.
Table IV-1
Spectral Band Wavelengths
Band
Number
1
2
3
4
5
Center Wavelength
(y)
0.410
0.465
0.515
0.560
0.600
Band
Number
6
7
8
9
10
11
Center Wavelength
(u)
0.640
0.680
0.720
0.810
1.015
til. 2
t thermal band
The infrared radiation incident upon the cryogenically cooled de-
tector generates a small electrical signal which is amplified, pro-
cessed and recorded on magnetic tape. (The amplifier is designed with a
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Optics Assembly
Spectrometer
Entry Slit
Dcwar
Detector Mosaic
(10 bands)
Thermal-«-Sr
Detector f ,
Telescope \ }
Detector
Output
Processing
Electronics
Digital
Processor/
Recorder
Digital
Tape
Recorder
(14 channels)
Scan Control
Electronics
Scene
Figure IV—1 Simplified Block Diagram, Mu It is pe ctr al Scanner
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18
feedback loop controlling its gain so that a constant amplification
factor is maintained.) The gain is adjusted with reference to the two
calibration blackbodies viewed on each rotation of the scanning mirror.
Due to the noise frequencies in the detector and the frequency response
characteristics of the amplifier feedback loop, there is a low frequency
variation" in gain having a period of several seconds. This variation is
viewed in the data as a periodic light and dark banding along crosstrack
which is repeated every several hundred scan lines.
The ten visible/near infrared channel detector signals are also
amplified, converted from analog to digital signals on a 0 to 256 num-
bers scale, and recorded on a 14-channel magnetic tape in a 10,000 bit
per inch format. Housekeeping data such as blackbody temperatures,
calibration lamp voltages, and synchronization signals are recorded in
addition to the imagery from the eleven spectral channels.
Data reduction is accomplished in three major steps. The first
step is to play back the high density digital tape to produce an analog
photograph-like image that is used to qualitatively assess the value of
the data and select the portions of the flight lines that will be used
in computer processing. The second step is to convert the selected
portions of each flight line from high density digital tape to a lower
density computer compatible tape (format is 800 bits per inch, 9 track)
that is used by the tape recorders on computers. The final step is to
computer process the data on the computer compatible tape with the
mathematical algorithm appropriate to the processing requirements. The
thermal channel in the multispectral scanner has a sensitivity band
width from 10.2 to 12.6p the so-called thermal band of the electro-
magnetic spectrum. The system has an instantaneous field of view of
2.5 x 2.5 mrad. The total field of view on one scan line observed by
the system is 100° by 2.5 mrad. The measured noise equivalent tempera-
ture (N E AT) of the scanner's thermal scanner is 0.2°C with 100 percent
probability of target detection. This represents an effective measure-
ment of the temperature resolution of the scanner.
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19
GROUND TRUTH
The Rochester, N.Y., Field Station, EPA Region II, helped NFIC-
Denver personnel obtain near-surface (surface to -10 cm (-3.9 in) depth)
water temperature measurements simultaneously with the time-of-flight.
The surface water temperatures were measured at discrete points in the
vicinity of each thermal discharge, including each discharge point and
ambient or background surface water locations within the lake.
The accuracy of the contact instrumentation used to obtain the
surface water temperatures was +_ 0.1°C (0.2°F). It is estimated that
the precise location of the discrete water temperature data points were
known to within +20 m (66 ft) with the exception of the locations of
data points within each discharge and the inshore position. The posi-
tional accuracy of the latter was 1-3 m (3-10 ft).
DATA INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS
Data analysis was performed on the density sliced imagery produced
from.the computer compatible digital magnetic tapes. These images were
processed into filmstrips on a mini-computer. Each gray level or step
in the film corresponded to a particular step of thirteen digital num-
bers, representing the intensity of the detected infrared energy from
the water. The relationship between the digital number steps and the
water temperature level was determined from observations of the two
calibrated blackbodies inside the instrument. The temperatures are
derived from sensors embedded in each blackbody and recorded on the
housekeeping channel of the magnetic tape as well as being displayed on
the operator's console. By taking the difference between the digital
number readings for the two scanner blackbody observations and dividing
by the known blackbody temperature difference, the gain of the instru-
ment in digital numbers per degree centigrade is obtained.
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20
By relating the thermal channel digital number output to the tem-
perature of one of the blackbodies, an absolute relationship is es-
tablished between the level of the scanner output signal and the in-
frared radiance entering the instrument aperture from the target. This
relationship does not precisely correspond to the absolute temperature
of the water surface because of atmospheric correction and surface film
evaporation effects. At the low altitudes in this mission, these cor-
rections are small enough so that the scanner produces an accurate
measurement of the temperature difference between the heated plume and
background water and the absolute temperatures of the surface waters.
However, the calibrated temperature data from the scanner was substan-
tiated by reference to ground truth.
Because of absorption and reradiation in the 8-14 y region of the
spectrum by the carbon dioxide and water vapor, the absolute infrared
radiance of the water surface is modified by passage through the inter-
vening atmosphere between the aircraft and surface. The effect changes
the absolute temperature level of the water surface when referenced to
the scanner internal calibration blackbodies. Under normal conditions,
the atmospheric temperature decreases with altitude. Since the radiation
from the water is absorbed and reradiated by a colder atmosphere, the
usual effect is to cause the scanner indicated temperature to be lower
than the water temperature. If a temperature inversion or some other
atmospheric effect occurs, however, the correction may go in the opposite
direction. If the atmospheric temperature and humidity profiles are
available from radio sound data, the correction may be calculated to a
very few tenths of a degree centigrade accuracy. The more usual practice,
however, is to measure the surface water temperature at a known location
in the image and adjust the scanner temperature scale to coincide with
the water surface temperature at that point.
Another reason that the scanner temperatures usually read lower
than the measured surface temperature is evaporation (mass transport of
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21
heat from the water to the atmosphere) in the thin surface film. Since
the infrared energy is irradiated from the top few hundred microns of
the water's surface, evaporation slightly chills this layer below the
temperature measured by a physical thermometer inserted into the water.
The magnitude of this correction depends on the air and water tempera-
tures, relative humidity, and wind velocity, but it is often about 0.2°C
(0.4°F). Adjustment of the scanner temperature scale to match a known
ground truth point is the most practical method of compensating for this
effect. Any surface winds in the target area minimize this effect to a
negligible level.
A Spatial Data 704 image analyzer was used to. convert the density
sliced images into isarthermal maps. The image analyzer uses a tech-
nique called density slicing to divide the density range on a given
infrared image into twelve increments. Each increment thus represents a
particular density of gray on the image and a narrow temperature range
closely approximating an isartherm. The density value of each increment
is accurate to within 0.03 density units over a range of 0-2 density
units. Each density increment is displayed on the image analyzer screen
in a particular color. The actual temperature of each isartherm on the
map was determined by referencing the density of the image to the den-
sity of a step wedge recorded immediately adjacent to the image on the
photographic negative. The relation between image density and temper-
ature is determined from the calibration blackbodies as described above.
The temperature difference per density step is 0.71°C (1.28°F). The
temperature scale determined from the densities is then adjusted to an
absolute level by setting the temperature of a point on the image equal
to the temperature determined by ground truth. The absolute tempera-
tures of the entire scene are then adjusted to the same scale.
A scan angle effect (slant range) due to the intervening atmosphere
is present in the data since the path length through the atmosphere
varies with the slant range as a function of angle. This correction
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22
varies as I/cos A, or varies from 1 to 1.55 as the scan angle varies
from 0° to 50°. This effect is noticeable in the imagery as a cooling
effect at the edge of the image relative to its center. The magnitude
of this correction would be no larger than one difference in density
level (0.71°; 1.28°F) between the middle and the far edge of the image.
An important factor must be mentioned at this point. The thermal
scanner will only record water surface temperatures, since water is
opaque in this region of the infrared spectrum. The maximum depth
penetration in either freshwater or saltwater is 0.01 cm (0.004 in).
Therefore, a submerged thermal discharge can be detected from an air-
craft with a thermal scanner only if the warm wastewater reaches the
surface of the receiving body of water. The isarthermal maps developed
by this study represent surface temperatures only and not subsurface
temperature distributions.
ERROR ANALYSIS
Limitations can be placed on the accuracy or uncertainty of the
absolute value of water temperatures represented by the isarthermal
maps developed by this study. The significant sources of error affect-
ing the data are the two noise sources in the instrument and the accu-
racy of the instrumentation used in obtaining ground truth. These
sources have the following error values:
1. Scanner noise. Each picture element in the scanner image
contains a random noise component having a Gaussian spectral
distribution with a noise equivalent temperature of +_ 0.2°C
(0.4°F). Also, the scanner image reveals a banding effect
along the direction of the flightline that is due to the low
frequency response of the elctronic amplifier used to record
the infrared signal. This error source is systematic and can
be compensated subjectively by the observer.
2. Ground truth data. The accuracy of the instrument used to
record ground truth temperature is + 0.1°C (0.2°F).
-------
23
3. Inherent error in the processing of the digital data to
form the density sliced image is as much as 0.2°C.
4. Image analysis. The image analyses contribute an error
of +_ 0.1°C due to the film density measurement accuracy.
By using the method of root-sum-squares, the magnitude of the total
possible error range can be estimated as follows:
1. Ati = Atc_anni.y. = + 0.2°C (measured system noise equivalent
scanner temperature: NET)
•2. At2 = Atground tr|jth = + 0.1°C (accuracy of instrument)
instrumentation
4- At* = Atimage analyzer = ± 0-1<>C (f11m dens1t*
Finally, Attotal = + [E (Ati
i = 1
= + [(0.2)2 + (O.I)2 + (0.2)2 + (0.1)2]1/2
Attotal = + 0.32°C (+ 0.6°F)
Reported temperature values are thus accurate to within j^ 0.3 to +_ 0.4°C
(0.6 to 0.7°F) of those existing in the surface layer of the lake at the
time of flight.
-------
V. RESULTS AND EVALUATION OF THERMAL DATA ANALYSIS
This section presents the results of the analysis of the water
temperature data obtained by aerial reconnaissance and ground surveys.
Weather conditions existing at the time of flight are summarized.
Powerplant descriptions and cooling water discharge characteristics
obtained from information submitted by the power companies are also
presented. The observed thermal plumes are evaluated with respect to
the reported discharge characteristics and recorded weather conditions.
The powerplants are discussed by location, proceeding eastward
along the southern shore of Lake Ontario [Fig. V-l, inside back cover].
GINNA NUCLEAR POWER STATION - PULTNEYVILLE. NEW YORK
Description of Power Station
The Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation operates this nuclear
field power station with a generating capacity of 490 MW (net) at full
output. The facility is about 380 m (1,250 ft) east of Smoky Point, a
small land projection on the south shoreline of the lake. Cooling water
supply is obtained from the lake through an intake about 940 m (3,100 ft)
offshore at a depth of 10 m (33 ft) [Fig. V-2]. Heated water is re-
turned to the lake through a short canal discharging at the surface and
normal to the shoreline. Design conditions for the canal indicate that
the heated layer would have an average depth at the canal outlet of 2.4
m (8 ft) and an average velocity normal to shore about 0.7 m/sec (2.3
fps) at full discharge rate.
Design capacity for the cooling water system is 2,180,000 m3/day
(400,000 gpm). As shown in Figure V-3, 104,000 m3/day (19,000 gpm) is
-------
26
TRAVELING SCREENS
rSC "KEN HOUSE
TO
CONDENSERS
LAKE ONTARIO
J44 7 ft HOLD 1955)
(0-tt-DIAM INTAKE
TUNNEL <3.1OOft)
INTAKE STRUCTURE I EIGHT 173-tt-WIOE
BY 10-tt-MIGH INTAKE PORTS
-EL 211 f
Figure V—2 Ginna Powerplant Intake and Discharge Structures
-------
27
TO LAKE ONTARIO
(400.000 gpm)
RECIRCULATION WATER
SERVICE WATER
SYSTEM
COMPONENT
COOLING WATER
HEAT EXCHANGER
r •« 1
SHUTDOWN COOLING
HEAT EXCHANGER
L I
NUCLEAR REACTOR
PRIMARY LOOP
STEAM GENERATOR
SECONDARY
1 LOOP
TURBINE
CONDENSER
19,000 gpm
FROM
.LAKE ONTARIO
(400,000 gpm)
ELECTRICAL
OUTPUT
381.000 gpm
SHUTDOWN
Figure V —3 Flow Diagram for Ginna Powerplapt Cooling System
-------
28
used for service water and the remainder for condenser cooling water.
Heated water can be recirculated from the discharge canal to the intake
system for control of icing on the travelling screens.
The condenser is designed for a 10.9°C (19.6°F) temperature rise
when operating at capacity. At full operating level, waste heat re-
jected to the environment through the condenser cooling water is 3
billion BTU/hr. At the time of data collection, the powerplant was
operating at 70% of full capacity with condenser water flow at the
design rate. Heat rejected to the cooling water was 2 billion BTU/hr.
A temperature rise of 6.7-7.8°C (12-14°F) across the condenser was
reported.
The Ginna reactor is a pressurized light water moderated and cooled
system. Light water is used in the primary loop shown in Figure V-3.
The condenser water is isolated from the radioactive system components.
Small amounts of low level radioactive wastewaters along with boiler
blowdown and water treatment wastewaters are discharged to the condenser
water flow. Sanitary wastes go to a septic tank and leach fields.
Observed Thermal Conditions
Using the techniques discussed in Section IV, thermal imagery of
Lake Ontario in the vicinity of the Ginna Nuclear Power Station was
recorded at altitudes of 460 and 760 m (1,500 and 2,500 ft) above water
level. The resultant thermal maps, presented as positive prints synthe-
sized from the digital infrared data, are provided in Figures V-4
through V-6. Since these are positive prints, the darker areas depict
cooler surface water temperatures while the light gray or white areas
depict warm temperatures.
The station's surface discharge and resultant thermal field or
plume are clearly shown in Figures V-4 and V-5, recorded on 30 July 1974
at about 1600 hours EOT. At the time of flight, the wind was blowing
-------
Figure V — 4 Thermal Map of Nearshore Portion of Ginna Nuclear Power Station Thermal Plume
30 July 1974
ro
UD
-------
CO
o
Figure V—5 Thermal Map of Offshore Portion of Ginna Nuclear Power Station Thermal Plume
30 July 1974
-------
Figure V — 6 Thermal Map of Ginna Nuclear Power Station
1 August 1 974
-------
32
from the west to northwest at 8-16 km/hr (5-10 mph) and was influencing
the easterly movement of the field. An easterly internal lake circu-
lation current, predominant along this segment of Lake Ontario's southern
shoreline, was carrying the main body of the thermal field eastward in
addition to the wind-induced currents. The field extended nearly 3.1 km
(1.9 mi) northeastward from the discharge before completely dispersing
and moved away from the shore [Fig. V-5]. It maintained an average
width of 0.5 km (0.3 mi) until dispersal. The discontinuity in the
shore at Smoky Point offers more quiescent hydrodynamic conditions for
the first 200 m (650 ft) of the field adjacent to the discharge.
With the aid of the digital thermal imagery [Fig. V-4] and the
ground truth obtained at the time of flight, the thermal field was
computer analyzed for areas of equal surface temperature and an isar-
thermal map was prepared using the analytical techniques discussed in
Section IV. In the isarthermal map [Fig. V-7], areas with surface water
temperatures falling within a given temperature interval are depicted by
a particular color. The color scheme goes from dark red, representing
the warmest surface temperature, through several lighter shades of red
and several light shades of blue to a dark blue color representing the
coolest temperature.
The total surface area of the thermal field measured about 108
hectares* (266 acres). The surface area for each isartherm [Fig. V-7]
which had a surface temperature greater than 1.5°C (2.7°F) above that of
the background water is given in Table V-l. About 2-3% of the total
surface area of the thermal field was at least 3.6°C (6.5°F) warmer than
the ambient waters, 32% averaged at least 2.2°C (4.0°F) above ambient,
and 66% of the field had an average surface temperature at least 1.5°C
(2.7°F) above that of the background surface waters. The maximum
temperature at the discharge point was 27.8°C (82°F).
1 hectare = 10,000 m = 2.471 acres.
-------
PAGE NOT
AVAILABLE
DIGITALLY
-------
CO
Table V-l
Summary of Isarthermal Data, Ginna Nuclear Power Station, 3 July 1974f
Isartherm Average
Number of the
CO
0 >25.7
1 >25.7
2 25.3
3 24.6
4 23.9
5 23.2
6 22.5
7 21.8
Total
Temperature
Isartherm
(°F)
>78.2
>78.2
77.6
76.3
75.0
73.8
72.5
71.2
At Above .,
Background
(°c)
>5.4
>5.4
5.1
4.3
3.6
2.9
2.2
1.5
(°F)
>9.7
>9.7
9.1
7.8
6.5
5.3
4.0
2.7
Surface Area
(Hectares)
0.01
0.39
0.44
0.44
1.43
13.97
17.42
36.23
70.33
(Acres)
0.02
0.97
1.08
1.08
3.54
34.53
43.05
89.53
173.80
Percentage of
Total Field
Surface Area
MJ.01
0.36
0.41
0.41
1.3
13
16
•v34
•^66
t The temperatures of the intake and discharge water were 20 and 2?.8°C (68 and 82°F), respectively,
at the time of flight with a discharge flow rate of 2,180,000 m3/day (400,000 gpm).
tt Surface temperatures of the "background Lake Ontario waters in this vicinity averaged 20.3°C (68.5°F).
ttt 1 hectare = 10,000 m2 = 2.471 acres.
-------
35
The thermal field was contiguous along 530 m (1,740 ft) of shore-
line between the discharge canal and Smoky Point [Fig. V-7]. Surface
temperatures in this quiescent area ranged from 0.8-1.5°C (1.4-2.7°F)
above ambient lake temperatures. For the wind and current conditions
observed, it would appear that only a small subsurface temperature
increase above ambient would be present in the shallow nearshore waters
around Smoky Point.
A second thermal map [Fig. V-6] was recorded on 1 Aug. 1974 at
about 1250 hours EOT. At that time the wind was out of the northwest at
3-11 km/hr (2-7 mph). The observed thermal field was proceeding outward
from the shore about 230 m (760 ft) and then moving in an easterly
direction parallel to shore due to the aforementioned easterly lake
current and the westerly wind. The field maintained a width of 0.5 km
(0.3 mi) until dispersal. It extended nearly 3.1 km (1.9 mi) eastward
with the south edge averaging about 120 m (380 ft) offshore. The field
was contiguous along 560 m (1,840 ft) of shoreline from just east of
the discharge canal to Smoky Point. This nearshore area was 2.2°C (4°F)
warmer than the ambient lake surface temperature.
The thermal field's total surface area was about 144 hectares (356
acres). The surface areas of isartherms [Fig. V-8] that had a surface
temperature greater than 1.5°C (2.7°F) above that of the background
water are given in Table V-2. These data show that over 7% of the total
surface area of the thermal field was at least 3.6°C (6.5°F) warmer than
the ambient waters, 57% had an average surface temperature that was at
least 2.2°C (4.0°F) above ambient, and a minimum of 71% of the field had
an average surface temperature of 1.5°C (2.7°F) above that of the back-
ground surface waters. The warm areas of this field were significantly
larger (1.5 to 2.5 times) than observed on 30 July. Plume dispersal was
not as rapid on 1 Aug. as on 30 July.
As stated in Section III, the proposed New York State thermal
discharge standards for Lake Ontario (subject to EPA approval) dictate
-------
ni
/
OJ
01
SMOKY POINT
LEGEND
STEP » TEMPERATURE |°F|
I ^Hi > 769
2 75 6 to 74 9
3. 74 4 to 75 4
4 73110744
S 71.8 lo 731
4 705to718
7 49210705
8 ^Bl 67.9 to 69 2
DISCHARGE POINT
Figure V — 8 Isarthermal Map of Ginna Nuclear Power Station Discharge
1 August 1974
-------
Table V-2
Summary of Isarthermal Data, Ginna Nuclear Power Station, 1 Aug. 1974
Isartherm
Number
Average Temperature
of the Isartherm
/or\ /or\
At Above ..
Background
Surface Area
Percentage of
Total Field
Surface Area
1 >24.9
2 24.6
3 23.9
4 23.2
5T .... 22.5
6' trrT 21.8
Total
>76.9
76.3
75.0
73.8
72.5
71.2
>4.7
4.3
3.6
2.9
2.2
1.5
>8.4
7.8
6.5
5.3
4.0
2.7
0.73
2.36
7.29
32.46
39.02
19.93
101.79
1.79
5.82
18.00
80.21
96.42
49.27
251.51
0.5
1.6
5.1
23.0
27.0
14.0
.71
tt
ttt
tttt
The temperatures of the -intake and discharge water were 21.1 and 27.8°C (70 and 82°F), respectively,
at the time of flight with discharge flow rate of 2,180,000 rrp/day (400,000 gpm).
Surface temperatures of the background Lake Ontario waters in this vicinity averaged 20.3°C (68.5°F),
1 hectare = 10,000 m2 = 2.471 acres.
Isartherm numbers 5 and 6 are only shown in Fig. V-8, to the extent they relate to the main region
of the thermal field. The outer extremities of these regions are not included in Fig. V-8.
oo
-------
38
that the surface temperature of a thermal field shall not exceed a level
of 1.7°C (3.0°F) above the surface temperature of the background receiving
waters except in designated mixing zones. To date no mixing zones have
been established in Lake Ontario. On 30 July, 32% of the field did not
comply with this recommendation while a significant portion of isartherm
7 (34% of the total) also exceeded the 1.7°C (3.0°F) value as average
values of the temperature interval of each established isartherm were
used during laboratory analysis of the thermal data. On 1 Aug., 57% of
the field did not fall within the 1.7°C (3.0°F) limit, while a signifi-
cant part of isartherm 6 also exceeds this proposed value which cannot
be precisely quantified due to the reasons stated above.
OSWEGO STEAM POWER STATION - OSWEGO. NEW YORK
Description of Power Station
The Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation operates this fossil-fueled
steam power station at Oswego [Fig. V-l]. It has four 80 MW oil-fired
units presently in operation (Units 1 through 4). Unit 5, rated at 850
MW, will be in operation during the spring of 1975. Another 850 MW unit
(No. 6) will be placed in operation in 1977.
Cooling water for the existing units is obtained from Lake Ontario
through an intake located about 168 m (550 ft) offshore outside the
Oswego Harbor breakwater [Fig. V-9]. Heated water averaging 1,810,000
o
m /day (332,000 gpm) is discharged to the turning basin at the west end
of Oswego Harbor inside the breakwater. Small amounts of boiler blow-
down and water treatment backwash are also discharged to the Harbor. No
sluice water is discharged as bottom, and fly ash are sold for vanadium
recovery. As indicated in Figure V-9, intake and discharge points for
the new Units 5 and 6 will be substantially different. Each of these
o
units will use about 1,550,000 m /day (285,000 gpm) of cooling water.
-------
UNIT 5 INTAKE
UNIT 6 INTAKE
ft 1.1II. 901
CWINTUCTUIIN[l>. C 31], JO*
SCREEN- / \
«"- / Existing
Discharge
oswcao
HARBOR
BREAKWATER
UNIT 6 OISCHARCE
N l.2ft,3M
C 911.100
UNIT 9 DISCHARGE
« 1.1 (I. BIO
( 9 Il.tIO
9 . *!» . «g»
ssut-rtti
Figure V—9 Oswego Steam Power Station Intake and Discharge Structures
CJ
-------
40
In addition to the powerplant discharge, effluent from the Oswego
municipal waste treatment facility is discharged to the west portion of
the Harbor. Streamflow from the Oswego River also enters the Harbor.
The cooling water discharge is about 12% of the average river flow and
about equal to the 7-day low flow occurring once in 10 years. The mixed
river and cooling waters flow out of the Harbor entrance into Lake
Ontario.
Observed Thermal Conditions
Thermal imagery of Lake Ontario and Oswego Harbor in the vicinity
of the Oswego Steam Power Station was recorded at altitudes of 460 m
(1,500 ft) and 760 m (2,500 ft) above water level. Thermal maps (posi-
tive prints) of this immediate area are provided as Figures V-10 and
V-ll. Figure V-10 was recorded on 30 July 1974 at about 1246 hours EOT.
Only the entrance and the thermal field entering Lake Ontario in an
easterly direction are shown in this map. There was an easterly lake
circulation current, predominant along this segment of shoreline, that
was carrying the warm water from the harbor eastward. A northwesterly
wind (precise speed not available) aided the transport of warm water
eastward. The resultant thermal field extended at least 1.1 km (0.7 mi)
east of the harbor breakwaters, with measurement being precluded by the
edge of the thermal map.
The isarthermal map corresponding to Figure V-10 is provided as
Figure V-12. The total surface area of the thermal field contained in
this map was 163 hectares (402 acres). Because the temperature of the
Oswego River was warmer than the lake, it cannot be ascertained what
relative contributions to the total field were made by the Oswego River
and the power station. However, of the area shown in Figure V-12, 6%
was 2.8°C (5.1°F) warmer than the ambient waters, 24% was 2.2°C (3.9°F)
warmer, and 53% was 1.4°C (2.6°F) warmer [Table V-3]. Of the 29% in-
cluded in isartherm 5, a large portion was 1.7°C (3.0°F) above ambient
-------
r
OSWEGO HARBOR
Figure V —10 Thermal Map of Outflow from Oswego Harbor
30 July 1974
-------
PO
OSWEGO RIVER
Figure V —11 Thermal Map of Oswego Harbor
1 August 1974
-------
LEGEND
STEP « TEMPERATURE |°F)
74 4 to 75.6
73.1 to 74.4
71 8 to 731
70 5 to 71 8
69 2 to 70 5
Figure V —12 Isarthermal Map of Oswego Steam Power Station/ Oswego River
Thermal Discharge to Lake Ontario
30 July 1974
-------
Table V-3
Summary of Isarthermal Data, Oswego Harbor, 30 July 1974*
Isartherm
Number
Average Temperature
of the Isartherm
At Above
Background
tt
ttt
Surface Area
(Hectares)(Acres)
Percentage
of Total Field
Surface Area
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Total
>24.9
24.6
23.9
23.2
22.5
21.8
20.8
>76.9
76.3
75.0
73.8
72.
71
,5
.2
69.9
>3.9
3.6
2.8
2.2
1.4
0.7
>7.0
6.4
5.1
3.9
2.6
1.3
10
29
47
86
24
73
114
211
6
18
29
53
t The temperatures of the intake and discharge waters were 21.1 and 25.0°C (70 and 77°F)3 respectively3
at the time of flight with a discharge flow rate of 1, 350, 000 rrp/day (248 3 000 gpm).
tt The average value of the surface temperature of the background waters in this vicinity of Lake
Ontario was 20. 8°C (69.9°F).
ttt 1 hectare = 10,000 m2 = 2.471 acres.
-------
45
because averages of the isarthermal temperature intervals were used in
the data analysis.
The thermal field extended into the lake to the east of the Oswego
Harbor. However, from the thermal data along this flight line it cannot
be determined if the warm water was contiguous with the adjacent shoreline.
On 1 Aug. 1974, two sets of thermal imagery were recorded over the
Oswego Steam Power Station and the Oswego Harbor at an altitude of 760 m
(2,500 ft). Figure V-ll shows the thermal map recorded along a flight
line parallel to the Oswego River and perpendicular to the lake shoreline
(1445 hours EOT). The warm water from the power station and the Oswego
River were flowing into Lake Ontario and moving in an easterly direction
forming a thermal field. The easterly motion of the field was induced
by the natural easterly lake currents and by a 16-24 km/hr (10-15 mph)
northwesterly wind at the time of flight. The isarthermal map correspond-
ing to Figure V-ll is Figure V-13. The total surface area of the thermal
field from the mouth of the Oswego River out into the lake measured 146
hectares (360 acres). Again, it could not be determined what percentage
of the total field was directly attributable to the Oswego River was in
isartherm 3 with an average temperature of 23.9°C (75.0°F) [Fig. V-13].
The surface temperature of the harbor near the power station's discharge
was in isartherm 2 with an average temperature of 24.6°C (76.3°F). The
station's discharge flow rate is constant while the river experiences a
large variation in flow rate during the summer months. River flow
during the study, measured at a point 1.3 km (0.8 mi) upstream of the
harbor, was as follows:
Oswego River Streamflow
Date (1974) m3/sec cfs
30 July 125 4,420
31 July 160 5,660
1 Aug. 178 6,250
2 Aug. 221 7,810
-------
osweoo
STATION DISCMAIGE
LEGEND
STEP tt TEMPERATURE (°F]
2
1
4
5
6
7
^m
•
•
•
•
n
74
71
/>
1C,
69
.6
4
1
a
3
3
to
to
to
to
to
Ig
rt
r 5
74.
/3
71.
70
9
6
1
1
I
•.
Figure V—13 Isarthermal Map of Oswego Steam Power Station/ Oswego River
Thermal Discharge to Lake Ontario
1 August 1974
-------
47
The power station flow rate was 16 m3/sec (553 cfs), about 7-12% of
the river flow during this period. However, the river flow has at times
been significantly lower. For example, in 1971 the river flow rates
varied from 105 m3/sec (3,700 cfs) on 1 Aug. to 42 m3/sec (1,500 cfs) on
15 Aug., and back to 71 m3/sec (2,500 cfs) at the end of that month. At
mid-month the power station discharge was 37% of the river flow and
would have contributed a major portion of the resultant thermal field.
As given in Table V-4, 22% of the total field surface areas was
3.6°C (6.4°F) warmer than the average surface temperature of Lake
Ontario, 67% was 2.2°C (3.9°F) warmer, and 79% was 1.4°C (2.6°F) warmer.
Determination of how the proposed New York State Standards apply to this
thermal field could not be made due to the influence of the Oswego
River.
On 2 Aug. 1974, the Oswego Harbor was flown with an uncalibrated
infrared (thermal) scanner. The thermal map obtained from that flight
[Fig. V-14] is a photonegative of those presented earlier in this
section; the warm areas in the water are dark gray while the colder
areas are white. The influent from the Oswego River was cooler than the
power station's thermal field moving into the Harbor (no ground truth
was obtained during this flight, it was a target of opportunity). The
river discharge was flowing between the easternmost breakwater and
shore. The station's discharge was moving out into the Harbor and
subsequently northward into Lake Ontario. It is also seen that the warm
water from the Harbor was seeping through the west breakwater.
The entire shoreline from the Oswego Harbor to the Nine Mile Point
area, about 13 km (8 mi), was also flown on 1 Aug. 1974 at 1436 hours
EOT at an altitude of 760 m (2,500 ft). The thermal map for this area
is divided into four segments and presented as Figures V-15 through V-
18. The corresponding isarthermal maps are Figures V-19 through V-22.
There is a continuous thermal field extending from Oswego Harbor through
-------
00
Table V-4
Summary of Isarthermal Data, Oswego Harbor, 1 Aug. 1974
Average
Isartherm of the
Number
.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
^
>24
24
23
23
22
21
20
c)
.9
.6
.9
.2
.5
.8
.8
Temperature
Isartherm
At Above . .
Background
Surface Area+++
(°F) (°C) (°F) (Hectares) (Acres)
>76.9
76.3
75.0
73.8
72.5
71.2
69.9
Percentage
of Total Field
Surface Area
>3.9 >7.0
3.6
2.8
2.2
1.4
0.7
--
6.4
5.1
3.9
2.6
1.3
--
Total
t
tt
ttt
The temperatures of the intake and discharge waters
respectively, at 'the time of flight with a discharge
The average value of the surface temperature of the
Ontario was 20.8°C (69.9°F).
1 hectare = 10,000 m2 = 2.471 acres.
43.
71.
15.
22.
_-
—
151.
4
1
0
3
8
107
176
37
55
--
—
375
were 21.7°C (71°F) and 24
flow rate of 1,350,000 m
background waters in this
22
37
8
12
--
•
79
.4°C (76 °F),
3/day (248,000 gpm) .
vicinity of Lake
-------
PAGE NOT
AVAILABLE
DIGITALLY
-------
en
O
POWERPLANT DISCHARGE
Figure V —15 Thermal Map of Lake Ontario Shoreline
(Section I: Oswego Harbor)
-------
Figure V—16 Thermal Map of Lake Ontario Shoreline
(Section II)
-------
r>o
Figure V —17 Thermal Map of Lake Ontario Shoreline
(Section III: Alcan Aluminum Company)
-------
NINE MILE POINT
NINE MILE POINT NUCLEAR STATI
Figure V—18 Thermal Map of Lake Ontario Shoreline
(Section IV: Nine Mile Point)
en
GO
-------
OSWEGO STEAM POWER STATION DISCHARGE
LEGEND
STEP « TEMPERATURE )°F|
74 9
75 6 10 76 9
74410756
73110/44
71 8 lo 73 I
70 5 'o 71 8
692 to 705
m
/
Figure V —19 liarthermal Map of Neanhor* Waters of Lake Ontario
(Section I: Otwego Harbor)
-------
-MATCH LINE A
LEGEND
STEP » TEMPERATURE (°F|
73 1 to 74 1
71 8 to 73 I
70 5 '0 71 8
69 2 to 70 5
Figure V — 20 liarthermal Map of N«arshor« Waters of Lake Ontario
(Section II)
MATCH LINE '%' —*
en
en
-------
-MATCH LINE 8
LEGEND
STEP « TEMPERATURE |°F)
MATCH LINE C .
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
^m
•
•
•
•
•
>76.9
75.6 to
74.4 to
73.1 to
71.8 to
70 5 to
692 to
76
75
74.
73
71 .
' 0
.9
.6
4
1
8
5
Figure V —21 Isarthermal Map of Nearshore Waters of Lake Ontario
(Section III: Alcan Aluminum Company)
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NINE MILE POINT UNIT I DISCHARGE
LEGEND
STEP tt TEMPERATURE
0
1
I
]
•
!
1
.'
•
•
•
•
•
76
76
75
71
73
71
7'..
6V
.
)
6 to
4 to
1 to
8 to
5 ro
2 to
76 9
756
74.4
731
71 B
70 5
Figure V — 22 l§arth«rmal Map of N»ar$hore Waters of Lake
(Section IV: Nine Mile Point)
Ontario
en
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58
the location of the Nine Mile Point Station. The surface temperature of
the waters adjacent to shore mostly fall within isartherm 3 or 4,
having average temperatures of 23.9°C (75.0°F) and 23.2°C (73.8°F),
respectively. The average surface temperature of the background water
was 21.1°C (69.9°F). The Oswego Steam Power Station's discharge is
shown in Figures V-15 and V-19.
At the other end of this strip, the Nine Mile Point Nuclear Power
Station discharge is shown in Figures V-18 and V-22. About in the
center of this strip [Figs. V-17 and V-21], a thermal discharge was
recorded which originated within the Alcan Aluminum Company facility.
This discharge appeared to have a minor effect on the larger thermal
field along shore. It is well known that nearshore waters are somewhat
warmer than the ambient waters further out into a body of water. However,
the average surface temperature of these nearshore waters ranges from
2.4-3.1°C (4.3-5.6°F) above the ambient lake temperature of 20.8°C
(69.9°F).
This region is suspected to contain spawning and nursery areas for
the fish of Lake Ontario. It is important to note that when Oswego
Station's Unit 5 goes into operation later this year (spring 1975), the
discharge of warm water from this facility could have significant impact
on the warming of these nearshore waters to higher temperatures.
NINE MILE POINT NUCLEAR STATION - SCRIBA, NEW YORK
Description of Power Station
The Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation operates this nuclear-fueled
steam power station at Nine Mile Point [Fig. V-l]. The plant is about
12 km (7.5 mi) east of the Oswego Steam Power Station, previously dis-
cussed, and is 910 m (3,000 ft) west of the Fitzpatrick Nuclear Plant,
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59
under construction. The Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station currently has
one 610 MW (net) unit operating. Unit 2, with a generating capacity of
1,100 MW, is planned for construction about 1977.
Condenser cooling water use for Unit 1 is about 16 m3/day (260,000
gpm). Cooling water supply is obtained from the lake through a sub-
merged intake located about 370 m (1,200 ft) offshore in 8 m (25 ft) of
water [Fig. V-23]. Heated water is returned to the lake through a
submerged jet diffuser about 300 m (1,000 ft) offshore in 5 m (16 ft) of
water. The cooling system is designed for a temperature rise of 17.8°C
(32°F) across the condenser. At low ambient temperatures, some heated
water is recirculated to the intake to prevent icing.
A second cooling water intake has been proposed for Unit 2 [Fig. V-
23]. The heated effluents from both Units 1 and 2 with a flow rate of
50 m3/day (803,000 gpm) would be discharged through a single large
diffuser about 520 m (1,700 ft) offshore, eliminating the present
discharge in shallower water.
This station's reactor is a boiling water type. The boiler water
is radioactive and must be treated appropriately. All potential radio-
active waste streams are filtered, demineralized, sampled and then
discharged slowly into Lake Ontario. Boiler make-up water from the lake
is demineralized and then treated with sulfuric acid and sodium hy-
droxide. The backwash is discharged into the lake.
The power station is shut down annually for refueling, usually in
April or May.
The Fitzpatrick Nuclear Power Station using a boiling water reactor
will go into operation by mid-1975. The location of its intake and
discharge diffuser are shown in Figure V-23. This facility will provide
a net generating capacity of 820 MW with a discharge (once-through
cooling) flow rate of 23 m3/day (370,000 gpm).
-------
NOTE'
ALL DEPTHS BASED ON LAKE EL.246*-0",
USLS 1933 DATUM. ASSUMED UIN.EL. 244-0*
Units 1,2
COMBINED DISCHARGE
2-5'»
CT»
O
UNIT I
EXISTING DISCHARGE
NINE MILE POINT STATION
Figure V —23 Intake and Discharge Points for Nine Mile Point Nuclear Power Station
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61
Observed Thermal Conditions
Thermal imagery of the nearshore waters at Nine Mile Point was
recorded on 30 July 1974 and 1 Aug. 1974 at altitudes of 460 m (1,500
ft) and 760 m (2,500 ft) above water level. Thermal maps of this
immediate area are provided as Figures V-24 and V-25.
Figure V-24 was recorded on 30 July 1974 at about 1348 hr EOT. The
flight line was nearly centered over the submerged discharge and ex-
tended perpendicularly out from shore. This low-altitude flight path
revealed that the thermal field, resulting from the star-shaped jet
discharge pattern, moved away from shore about 0.5 km (1,600 ft) before
being carried in an easterly direction toward Mexico Bay in the south-
east corner of Lake Ontario. The wind ranging from 5 to 10 mph out of
the northwest at flight time induced a current in the near surface
waters that carried the field eastward. The thermal pattern in this
immediate area, resulting from the jet diffuser, reveals five projections
or fingers characteristic of this discharge.
The isarthermal map corresponding to Figure V-24 is provided as
Figure V-26. The total surface area of the thermal field contained in
this map was 666,900 m2 (7,179,000 ft2). The surface areas of each
isartherm which have an average At of 1.4°C (2.6°F) minimum above
ambient are provided in Table V-5. Of this section of the thermal
field, 6% was at least 3.9°C (7.0°F) warmer than the ambient waters
while 41% was 1.4°C (2.6°F) above ambient. Nearly 30% of the field in
this map was 2.2°C (3.9°F) warmer than the ambient waters, which is in
noncompliance with the proposed New York State Thermal Standards. No
mixing zone has been established for the discharge. The warm water in
this section of the overall thermal field was contiguous with the
shoreline for a distance of 1.4 km (0.9 mi), which may be a spawning and
nursery area for native fish.
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en
Figure V — 24 Thermal Map of Nine Mile Point Nuclear Power Station Effluent
30 July 1974
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LEGEND
STEP tf TEMPERATURE (°F)
0
•DISCHARGE '
POINT
2
3
y 4
5
6
7
8
^
|
•
•
H
>76
>76
>76
75
74
73
71 .
70
69
.9
9
.9
.6 to
.4 to
1 1o
8 to
5 to
2 to
76-9
75.6
74.4
73.1
71 .8
70.5
Figure V—26 Isarthermal Map of Nine Mile Point Unit 1 Discharge
30 July 1974
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Table V-5
Summary of Isarthermal Data, Nine Mile Point, 30 July 1974
Isartherm
Number
Average Temperature
of the Isartherm
At Above
Background
..
Surface Area
(Hectares)(Acres)
Percentage
of Total Field
Surface Area
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Total
24.9
24.9
24.9
24.6
23.
23.
.9
.2
22.5
76.9
76.9
76.9
76.3
75.0
73.8
72.5
3.9
3.9
3.9
3.6
2.8
2.2
1.4
7.0
7.0
7.0
6.4
5.1
3.9
2.6
0.2
0.6
4
6
7
6
9
33
0.4
1.3
8
13
15
12
18
68
0.3
0.8
4.9
7.6
9.1
7.3
11.2
t
tt
ttt
The temperatures of the intake and discharge water were 19.4°C (67°F) and 37.2°C (99°F)t
respectively, at mission time with a discharge flow rate of 16.41 m^/sec. (260,000 gpm).
The average value of the surface temperature of the background waters in this vicinity of
Lake Ontario was 20.8°C (69.9°F).
1 hectare = 10,000 m2 = 2.471 acres.
en
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66
On 1 Aug. 1974 (1509 EOT), thermal imagery was recorded along a
flight line parallel to shore at Nine Mile Point and centered over the
discharge [Fig. V-25]. These data were recorded at 760 m (2,500 ft)
above water level. The thermal map [Fig. V-25] shows the fingerlike
structure of the discharge pattern and the thermal field extending
eastward alongshore. The field extended only 340 m (1,115 ft) into the
lake but was carried eastward toward Mexico Bay parallel to shore for a
minimum (due to image cutoff) distance of 5.5 km (3.4 mi). The field
was moving in an easterly direction due for the most part to wind
induced currents. The wind at the time of flight was from the northwest
at a velocity of 24 km/h (15 mph). The isarthermal map derived from
Figure V-25 is shown in Figure V-27.
The total surface area of the thermal field measured about 575
hectares (1,165 acres), excluding that to the left of isartherm 2,
adjacent to the discharge which was due to the Oswego River/Oswego Steam
Power Station thermal field [Fig. V-27]. The surface areas of each
isartherm of Figure V-27, which have an average At of 1.4°C (2.6°F)
minimum above the ambient waters, are given in Table V-6. Of the total
thermal field, 6% was at least 3.9°C (7.0°F) warmer than the ambient
surface waters, and about 25% of the total field was 2.2°C (3.9°F) above
ambient; isartherm 5, being 33% of the total field, was 1.4°C (2.6°F).
Since the analysis of the thermal data employed the average surface
temperatures, it follows that a significant portion of this isartherm
would have been 1.7°C (3.0°F) warmer than the ambient waters. About 58%
of the total surface area of the thermal field was 1.4°C (2.6°F) warmer
than ambient, most of which exceeded the 1.7°C (3.0°F) thermal limit of
the New York State Proposed Thermal Standards.
During this mission, the thermal field was contiguous with about
4.2 km (2.6 mi) of shoreline which are presumed spawning and nursery
areas for various species of native fish of Lake Ontario.
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00
Table V-6
Summary of Isarthermal Data, Oswego Station, 1 Aug. 1974
Isartherm
Number
0
1
2
3
4
5
Total
Average Temperature
of the Isartherm
TO
>24.9
>24.9
24.6
23.9
23.2
22.5
CF)
>76.9
>76.9
76.3
75.0
73.8
72.5
At Above . ,
Background
(°C)
>3.9
>3.9
3.6
2.8
2.2
1.4
Surface
Aream
(°F) (Hectares) (Acres)
>7.0
>7.0
6.4
5.1
3.9
2.6
1
34
45
21
49
188
338
2
68
90
43
100
380
683
Percentage
of Total Field
Surface Area
0.2
5.9
6.7
3.7
8.7
33.0
^58
t
tt
ttt
The temperatures of the intake and discharge water were 19.4°C (67°F) and 37.2°C (99°F),
respectively, at mission time with a discharge flow rate of 260,000 gpm.
The average value of the surface temperature of the background waters in this vicinity
of Lake Ontario was 20.8°C (69.9°F).
1 hectare = 10,000 m2 = 2.471 acres.
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69
Thermal imagery of the Nine Mile Point area recorded by other in-
vestigators was obtained for this report to provide additional data on
thermal field behavior. Figure V-28 is a thermal map recorded on 22
June 1971. This shows a basic field movement/dispersion pattern similar
to that of 1 Aug. 1974 [Fig. V-25]. The large thermal field to the left
or west of Nine Mile Point Unit 1 was most probably from the combined
warm waters of the Oswego River and the Oswego Steam Power Station. The
general movement of the thermal field along shore [Fig. V-29] was in an
easterly direction into Mexico Bay.
An isarthermal map derived from thermal imagery recorded on 22 July
1970 is shown in Figure V-29. The observed thermal plume was also
similar to the plumes observed in this study. Figure V-30 is a thermal
map of the area recorded on 2 Aug. 1974. In this map, black is warm and
white is cold. This imagery is unique in that it shows the field re-
sulting from the Nine Mile Point Unit 1 jet discharge moving directly
northward out into the lake. At the time this imagery was recorded
(1300 hr EOT), the winds were calm; thus no wind-induced currents in the
near-surface waters were carrying the field eastward. Earlier in the
day the winds were light and variable from the south.
In summary, the thermal images show that when the wind is blowing
from the west, northwest, or north (predominant direction) the warm
waters from the discharge are carried eastward into Mexico Bay, a known
fish spawning and nursery area. During calm conditions or southerly
winds, the field extends out into the lake.
When the Fitzpatrick Nuclear Power Station (spring 1975) and the
Nine Mile Nuclear Power Station Unit 2 (1977-79) discharges go into
operation, the warm water input into Lake Ontario at Nine Mile Point
will be greatly increased. During the conditions of west to north-
westerly winds, the thermal heating effect in Mexico Bay will be signif-
icantly increased. Also, warm surface waters from the Oswego area will
probably move along shore to the Nine Mile Point vicinity. Under
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NOTES:
I SURVEY CONDUCTED
AT 5 00 PM
CURBEBT SPEED IS tmtOKlMATELY
O3FPS EASTWARD
0
OAT* RECORDED BY BRAINCON
CORPORATION
• G DATA RECOflMD BY CAl
-f N I.11S.OI 0
E 3 50.0 00
Figure V — 29 Water Surface Temperatures Recorded from Infrared Radiation, 22 July 197O
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73
predominant wind and current conditions, the thermal plume from the Nine
Mile Point Nuclear Station will extend across the discharge point of the
Fitzpatrick Nuclear Plant, and some interaction of plumes can be expected.
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