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Dominion finds wildlife impact would be minor
Dominion study shows minimal impact downstream, and on Lake Anna of adding a possible third reactor at North Anna Power Station
Date published: 3/24/2009
BY RUSTY DENNEN Many facets of Dominion Virginia Power's plan for a possible third nuclear reactor on Lake Anna have been examined. Yet another is reviewed in a draft study conducted by the utility and released last week. It found that Unit 3, combined with a higher lake level, would have little impact on fish and other aquatic life on the North Anna and Pamunkey rivers downstream from the dam. The study also concluded that plans by Dominion to raise the lake's water level by 3 inches would not affect wetlands or the use of docks and boat ramps on the lake. The review was required by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality as part of its mandate to protect water quality in the state's coastal zone. The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and Department of Conservation and Recreation were also involved. The study began in March 2007, and the draft was finished earlier this month. Fifteen target species of fish and invertebrates were studied on 70 miles of stream, from Lake Anna dam to the U.S. 360 bridge in Hanover County. There were 27 sample locations under three flow conditions. The study found both positive and negative impacts in the North Anna River, depending on the aquatic species and life stages. Minimal habitat loss was predicted along the study area, with slight gains for species in the Pamunkey River. The draft reviewed three scenarios: existing conditions with Units 1 and 2 operating and the lake full at 250 feet above sea level, adding Unit 3 with the lake at 250 feet, and adding Unit 3 with the lake at 250.25 feet. The second scenario had the greatest impact on fish and habitat. Units 1 and 2 draw millions of gallons of water daily from Lake Anna for cooling. In times of drought, that's been an issue, though during most of the year, Dominion must release at least 40 cubic feet of water per second over the dam. There are exceptions when the lake level drops below 248 feet; the release can be reduced to 20 cubic feet. To address concerns about lake levels--especially during drought--Dominion plans a hybrid wet-dry cooling system for Unit 3 that would use only a fraction of the water consumed by Units 1 and 2.
Dominion says it has not yet decided whether to build Unit 3 and is waiting for final approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. If Unit 3 is built, Dominion said it would: Release more water into the North Anna River on weekends during June and July, as long as the lake level is at least 250 feet; Provide funds for habitat restoration on the North Anna and Pamunkey rivers. Rusty Dennen: 540/374-5431
Date published: 3/24/2009
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