A mathematical model simulating fish losses near power plants using rotenone data

Abstract

Fish losses like impingement on cooling water intake screens play an important role in the overall physical impact on the aquatic ecosystem by power-plant operations. Of the long list of potential causes for fish losses, three most significant factors are examined, i.e. fish population dynamics, water temperature and the hydrodynamics of the cooling water body. A semi-empirical, comprehensive model has been developed employing inexpensively sampled site specific far-field data on which the submodels for flow patterns, temperature and fish population are based. These submodels are directly adaptable to other sites and alternative case studies; the population submodel, for example, could also be employed for investigating the impact of increased fish mortality caused by toxic materials, excessive fishing, etc. The comprehensive model together with the systems analysis approach presented can be used as a planning tool for the optimal design and location of proposed power plants and for the minimization of aquatic ecosystem impacts due to existing plants. The impingement model was successfully applied to Arkansas Nuclear One (lake with long intake canal) and Browns Ferry (river with short intake canal).