Nuclear Generating Stations: Biophysical Environmental Effects, Monitoring, Scoping and Design

Abstract

Routine field surveillance monitoring for trend detection has proven inadequate for defensible results in conventional (non-radiological) ecological impact assessment studies. Sound environmental effects monitoring (EEM) design must include a statistical research-based strategy to cope cost-effectively with the difficulty of impact detection in highly variable natural systems regardless of the type of stressor (radiological or non-radio logical). In conventional effects studies (non-radiological). we had the advantage of large physical changes to trigger biological responses , and it was still difficult. Detecting what must be a small radioecological effect. based upon emissions data and estimated doses. will be much more difficult. This paper identifies seven key factors that mustbe included in any EEM scoping and design to have a reasonable (80%) chance of detecting an impact: statistical survey design field controls. valued ecosystem components, effects hypotheses. scoping workshops, quantitative mode ls and a computer database. Practical applications of these EEM design factors are illustrated from 25 years of learning from experience with non-radiological monitoring at Ontario Hydro's five nuclear generating stations located on the Great Lakes.