Evaluation of the Steel Creek ecosystem in relation to the propsed restart of the L-reactor: interim report
The ecological assessment of the Steel Creek ecosystempresents information concerning the fall and winter utilization of Steel Creek habitats. An understanding of the wintering behavior of these species is necessary to assess the impact of thermal effluents on these species. Waterfowl use of the Steel Creek habitats was extensive during winter 1981-1982. The habitat was used for both foraging and roosting. Mallards and wood ducks were the most important local game species. Observations of the thermal deltas indicated substantial migratory waterfowl use of areas near Four Mile Creek, while no ducks were observed in the vicinity of Pen Branch. Studies of the American alligator through the winter of 1981-1982 indicated that this species remains active through the winter. It has also been established that the Florida mud turtle, occurs in Steel Creek. Fish collections through the fall of 1981 and winter of 1981-1982 yielded 49 species. Considerable differences in overall fish species diversity and changes in fish species composition were observed. Substantial variations in radiocesium concentrations exist among species although all species were exposed to the same concentrations of radiocesium in water. Substantially less radiocesium remains in the system than was anticipated. Substantial differences occur in different stream segments as well as the vertical distribution of the isotope through the soil profile. The studies to date document that animal use of the Steel Creek cosystems is substantial. (ERB)
- Research Organization:
- Savannah River Ecology Lab., Aiken, SC (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC09-76SR00819
- OSTI ID:
- 5212949
- Report Number(s):
- SREL-11; ON: DE82015401; TRN: 82-016436
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Evaluation of the Steel Creek ecosystem in relation to the proposed restart of the L-Reactor: interim report
Comprehensive Cooling Water Study: Volume 8, Waterfowl, Savannah River Plant: Final report
Related Subjects
22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ALLIGATORS
POPULATION DYNAMICS
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
BASELINE ECOLOGY
RADIONUCLIDE MIGRATION
THERMAL POLLUTION
BIRDS
CESIUM 137
RADIOECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
FISHES
REACTORS
RADIOACTIVE EFFLUENTS
THERMAL EFFLUENTS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
TURTLES
COASTAL REGIONS
ESTUARIES
FORECASTING
GEORGIA
HABITAT
STREAMS
SWAMPS
ALKALI METAL ISOTOPES
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
BETA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BETA-MINUS DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
CESIUM ISOTOPES
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ECOLOGY
ECOSYSTEMS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FEDERAL REGION IV
ISOTOPES
MASS TRANSFER
MATERIALS
NORTH AMERICA
NUCLEI
ODD-EVEN NUCLEI
POLLUTION
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
RADIOISOTOPES
REPTILES
SURFACE WATERS
TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS
USA
VERTEBRATES
WASTES
WETLANDS
YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
520302* - Environment
Aquatic- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport- Aquatic Ecosystems & Food Chains- (-1987)
520400 - Environment
Aquatic- Thermal Effluents Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)
220502 - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Environmental Aspects- Radioactive Effluents
220503 - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Environmental Aspects- Chemical & Thermal Effluents
560305 - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Vertebrates- (-1987)
560172 - Radiation Effects- Nuclide Kinetics & Toxicology- Animals- (-1987)