Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
alterations could lead to habitat loss for terrestrial wildlife and bird species and/
or degradation for aquatic species. Fish could be injured or killed during operation
of the intake or during power generation. Because of a reduction in natural fishing
of sediment, increases in sedimentation within the embayment may also adversely
affect embayment ecosystems. The ability of fish and marine mammals to enter and
leave the embayment would likely be substantially altered. The significance of oper-
ational impacts on fish, marine mammals, and saltwater wetland-dependent birds
and terrestrial species would likely be site specific.
Water Resources
Water Use
Water use at the port would be required for normal operation, including fire protec-
tion, cleaning and maintenance of equipment, and consumptive use by personnel.
Water would also be required for consumptive use on the vessels.
Water Quality
Vessels used for maintenance of hydrokinetic energy devices and components
could contribute small amounts of fuel or oil to the ocean or river through bilge
discharges or leaks. Damage to a hydrokinetic energy device, which may contain
petroleum-based materials, could result in water contamination. Anchoring of the
ships can cause sediment from the seabed to enter the water column. Onshore
activities that could affect water quality are those that cause soil erosion or dis-
charges of waste or sanitary water. Negligible or minor impact on water quality
would be expected.
Land Use
All types of hydrokinetic facilities would likely exclude traditional uses of the areas
where they are constructed. Commercial shipping, fishing, and recreation uses may
be the most likely uses that could be affected. Depending on the nature and visibility
of the facilities, the visual impacts of hydrokinetic development might also create
conflicts with existing shore-based uses.
Soils and Geologic Resources
Seabed or riverbed disturbance would be minimal from maintenance activities, and
sediments are unlikely to be affected. Maintenance activities would also be unlikely
to activate geological hazards. A wave energy farm could cause a reduction in wave
height of 10 to 15%, and this reduction could result in an interruption of the natu-
ral sediment transport along the shore, increasing erosion and drift. The impact is
greater the closer the wave farm is to the shore and is greater for floating devices ori-
ented parallel to the shore. Tidal and river in-stream turbines will cause turbulence
downstream that might cause scour of the seabed or riverbed if the units are located
near the bottom. During operation, the soil and geologic conditions would stabilize
at onshore facilities. Soil erosion and soil compaction are both likely to continue to
occur along access roads.
