LOW-HEAD HYDROPOWER IMPACTS ON STREAM DISSOLVED OXYGEN1

ABSTRACT: A method to evaluate the effect of hydropower development on downstream dissolved oxygen (DO) is presented for a low head dam. Water, previously aerated during release over spillways and under gates, is diverted through the hydropower facility without further aeration. The oxygen transfer that occurs as a result of air entrainment at the various release points of a dam is measured. Oxygen transfer efficiencies are calculated and incorporated into an oxygen transfer model to predict average release DO concentrations. This model is used to systematically determine the effect of hydropower operation on downstream DO. Operational alternatives are investigated and a simple operational guide is developed to mitigate the effects of hydropower operation. Combinations of reduced generation and optimal releases from the dam allow the hydropower facility to operate within DO standards.     

EFFECTS OF PLACER MINING DISCHARGE ON HEALTH AND FOOD OF ARCTIC GRAYLING1

ABSTRACT: During the summers of 1982, 1983, and 1985, we assessed the effects of placer mining sedimentation on Arctic grayling, Thymallus arcticus, in the headwaters of Birch Creek, northeast of Fairbanks, Alaska. We compared differences between two streams (one that was undisturbed and one with mining activity upstream) near the confluence. Studies of caged fish demonstrated that, if grayling could not escape from streams carrying mining sediments, they would either die at high rates (sac fry) or suffer gill damage, starvation, and slowed maturation (age-O fingerlings and age-2 juveniles). Indirect effects of sedimentation, through loss of summer habitat for feeding and reproduction, may more severely affect grayling populations than the direct effects of sedimentation on the health and survival of individual fish.     

Equipment choices for dredging contaminated sediments

This article describes the selection and field evaluation of dredging equipment and techniques for removal of highly contaminated sediments from the upper estuary of the Acusbnet River, a portion of the New Bedford Harbor Supetfund Project. Site conditions as related to dredge selection and operation, factors considered in selection of equipment, and various dredge types considered for use are described. Each of the dredge types is ranked according to the following criteria: availability, safety, potential for sediment resuspension, maneuverability, cleanup precision, cost and production, flexibility, required water depth for operation, ability to access the site, and compatibility with disposal options. A field pilot study comparing three dredge types indicated that dredging could be conducted at the site without a significant increase in the contaminant release from the upper estuary to the lower harbor.     

Review and appraisal of concept of sustainable food production systems

Environmental degradation, competition for resources, increasing food demands, and the integration of agriculture into the international economy threaten the sustainability of many food production systems. Despite these concerns, the concept of sustainable food production systems remains unclear, and recent attempts to appraise sustainability have been hampered by conceptual inconsistencies and the absence of workable definitions. Six perspectives are shown to underpin the concept. Environmental accounting identifies biophysical limits for agriculture. Sustained yield refers to output levels that can be maintained continuously. Carrying capacity defines maximum population levels that can be supported in perpetuity. Production unit viability refers to the capacity of primary producers to remain in agriculture. Product supply and security focuses on the adequacy of food supplies. Equity is concerned with the spatial and temporal distribution of products dervied from resource use. Many studies into sustainable agriculture cover more than one of these perspectives, indicating the concept is complex and embraces issues relating to the biophysical, social, and economic environments. Clarification of the concept would facilitate the development of frameworks and analytical systems for appraising the sustainability of food production systems. LRRC Contribution No. 90–46.     

CONFLICTING PERSPECTWES ABOUT DETECTION LIMITS AND ABOUT THE CENSORING OF ENVIRONMENTAL DATA1

ABSTRACT: Current conventions for reporting analytical results from environmental samples brings the objectives of laboratory scientists into conflict with those of environmental scientists. The objective of chemical analyses is to provide estimates of the true composition of samples. Reported results must reflect the analytical uncertainty. Current conventions require left-censoring of those results below the Limit of Detection. The objective of statistical interpretation of environmental data is to provide estimates of the characteristics of ecosystems. Such statistical analyses are often confounded by left-censoring of analytical results. We review the different points of view and propose a compromise which recognizes these conflicting perspectives.     

Safe use of refrigerants for process applications

This paper examines safety issues, with emphasis on central refrigeration plant for process applications. Plantroom hazards including refrigerant leakage, excess pressure, fire and noise are covered. It is concluded that routine surveys which are being conducted in connection with the chlorofluorocarbon and hydrochlorofluorocarbon phase-outs present an opportunity for examining safety issues.     

Time series analysis of coal mine accident experience

This study investigates several forecasting techniques that can be useful to mine safety managers for studying mine accident rate behavior. Three time series models were studied for extrapolation of accident rates. These models are applied to historical accident incidence data from a coal mine. Further, a method is presented for evaluating the three models for the selection of an appropriate model. For this particular mine application, it is concluded that the more complex Box-Jenkins ARMA model as well as first order autoregressive model do not give better results than the simple exponential smoothing model. However, when the random variations or autocorrelations in the accident experience rates between periods are different, the models may predict differently. As such, specific models must be developed for each mine on the basis of statistical analysis of the mine accident experience data over time. Moreover, the importance of incorporating human judgement to interpret the results of statistical forecasting cannot be overemphasized. Integration of policy or operating changes, which may impact mine safety performance, with statistical forecasting techniques is essential to arrive at a realistic prediction of future performance.