skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Botanical studies in the vicinity of John Sevier Steam Plant: results of surveys conducted in 1978 and a review of surveys conducted from 1973 through 1977

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5318629

No foliar effects attributable to sulfur dioxide (SO/sub 2/) emissions from John Sevier Steam Plant were observed on vegetation during the 1978 growing season. However, SO/sub 2/ effects were observed on vegetation in the John Sevier area during the 1974, 1975, and 1977 growing seasons. Foliar injury was observed on nine species of vegetation in seven areas, about 2110 acres. Two of the affected species - loblolly and Virginia pine - were economically important. However, the effects observed on these species were not economically significant. The mean sulfur content of coal fired and the average daily SO/sub 2/ emissions during the 1978 growing season were lower than any growing season since 1973. The level of the National Secondary Ambient Air Quality Standard (3-h avg of 0.50 p/m) has never been exceeded at any SO/sub 2/ monitor in the vicinity of John Sevier Steam Plant during daylight hours of a growing season (time period when most vegetation is sensitive to SO/sub 2/ exposure). Also, the compliance emission rate (4.0 lbs SO/sub 2//10/sup 6/ Btu) was not exceeded during any of the growing seasons from 1973 through 1978. Botanical survey results and SO/sub 2/ emission data indicate that significant SO/sub 2/ injury to vegetation is unlikely as long as the emission rate at John Sevier Steam Plant does not exceed the compliance level. Consequently, it is recommended that routine botanical surveys be discontinued in the John Sevier area. However, partial surveys will be conducted as required in any area surrounding a monitor where the level of the National Secondary Ambient Air Quality Standard is exceeded during daylight hours of the growing season or in the area surrounding vegetation associated with a complaint.

Research Organization:
Tennessee Valley Authority, Muscle Shoals, AL (USA). Office of Natural Resources
OSTI ID:
5318629
Report Number(s):
TVA/ARP-I-80/16; ON: DE82903620
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Portions of document are illegible
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English