A rationale for evaluating thermally induced biological effects due to once-through cooling systems

Abstract

from summary and recommendations, "In this report we show how the thermally induced biological effects of power plants with once-through cooling systems can be evaluated in a logical, scientifically defensible manner. First, we used existing models to predict the fields of excess temperature and velocity associated with a power plant sited on a river and an estuary, and to establish the time-excess temperature exposure histories resulting from the interaction of an assumed distribution of organisms with these fields. Next, we developed a new thermal response model to assess the thermal effects of these exposures on these organisms. . ."