Assessment of Ecological Impact - Long Term Ecological Monitoring (Session Introduction)

Assessment of Ecological Impact - Long Term Ecological Monitoring: Session Introduction

Paul Jacobson

Abstract. – The utility of long-term ecological monitoring and the assessment of impacts from cooling water withdrawal at electric generating plants has been debated among state and federal regulators, scientists and advocates for environmental protection since such studies began in the mid to late 1960s.  The open question that gives life to the debate is our ability to detect, measure, and assess the ecological relevance of observed impacts; and respond with corrective actions when necessary.  Because of the uncertainly associated with ecological impact assessments, we are often left with making informed judgments based on the weight of evidence, a process that has been defined as Best Professional Judgment.  Since many long-term ecological studies at steam electric generating facilities now span over 40 years, we are provided with an increasingly robust data base upon which to assess ecological relevance over extended periods of power plant operations and beyond.  Importantly, the habitats studied encompass fresh water rivers, estuaries and open ocean (Atlantic and Pacific).  In this session, we examine the findings from several of these investigations and discuss their relevance to implementation of U.S. Clean Water Act Section 316.