Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
lands accessible to the public. Visual impacts resulting from the presence of a bio-
mass facility and transmission lines could affect some cultural resources, such as
sacred landscapes or historic trails.
Ecological Resources
During operation, adverse ecological effects could occur from (1) disturbance of
wildlife by equipment noise and human activity, (2) exposure of biota to chemi-
cal spills and other contaminants, and (3) mortality of wildlife due to increased
vehicular traffic and collisions with or electrocution by transmission lines.
Disturbed wildlife would be expected to eventually acclimatize to facility opera-
tions. Deposition of water and salts from the operation of mechanical-draft cooling
towers has the potential to impact vegetation. Water intake structures (see Figure
5.13) for withdrawal of water from lakes or rivers would result in impingement and
entrainment of aquatic species. Proper design of these structures can minimize
these impacts. Discharge of heated cooling water into water bodies could be ben-
eficial or adverse, depending upon the design of the discharge structure and the
temperature of the effluent.
Gate
controls
Water surface
Open port
Entry ports
Closed port
Outlet
FIGURE 5.13
Tower water intake for a reservoir or lake water supply (larger than scale).
