1 | Program Name or Ancillary Texteere.energy.gov Water Power Peer Review 2.1.3: Effects on Aquatic Organisms Dr. Andrea Copping Pacific Northwest National.

1 | Program Name or Ancillary Text eere.energy.gov

Water Power Peer Review

2.1.3: Effects on Aquatic Organisms Dr. Andrea Copping

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory[[email protected]; (206) 528-3049November, 2011

2.0 Market Accelleration

Assessing the Effects of MHK Device Operation on

Aquatic Organisms

Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)Acoustics/Noise

Physical Interactions

2 | Wind and Water Power Program eere.energy.gov

Purpose, Objectives, & Integration

There is limited information on the potential effects of EMF, acoustics/noise, or physical interaction on important marine, estuarine, and fresh water species. This knowledge gap creates significant regulatory uncertainty that could affect the permitting and operation of MHK devices.

By assessing the potential effects of EMF, acoustic noise, and physical interaction of animals with MHK devices the regulatory costs, time, and potential environmental impacts of MHK development can be streamlined.

This task will accelerate the development of the MHK industry and support DOE’s Water Power Program goals to: 1) identify the most significant areas of environmental concern, and initiate research to address potential impacts; and 2) determine how environmental monitoring and mitigation, siting and permitting contribute to the cost of energy, and seek to reduce these costs.

Results from this project will be entered into the Tethys database and incorporated into ERES risk assessments to provide a more complete picture of potential MHK effects.


Technical Approach

• The technical focus is on sublethal effects of EMF and acoustics (e.g., organism development, behavior, and physiological stress), and on the likelihood of adverse interactions with MHK devices, on aquatic species that are ecologically, commercially, or recreationally important.

• Standardized methods and endpoints have been adopted or where necessary adapted, whenever possible for testing of EMF, acoustics or physical interaction.

• Upper bounding limits of EMF and acoustics have evaluated (e.g. exposures much higher than expected to occur during MHK device operation) to ensure protection of the environment.

• Assessment of exposure/response relationships were examined in a risk context to determine the potential for population-level effects.

• PNNL uses innovative exposure systems for EMF and sound (Helmholtz coil for EMF, tidal turbine sound exposure system for acoustics) at PNNL Marine Sciences Laboratory.

• ORNL explored a variety of behavioral responses appropriate to different aquatic organisms.

• PNNL and ORNL are collaborating on acoustic measurement equipment and techniques.

• PNNL examined potential effects of physical interaction between marine animals and MHK devices through a detailed literature review and case study approach.

• ORNL carried out flume studies to examine interactions between freshwater fish and turbine blades.


Plan, Schedule, & BudgetPNNL EMF Testing

Schedule• Work was initiated on 1 October 2010; planned completion date is 30 September 2012.• Milestones for FY10 and FY11:

– FY10, Q2: EMF testing protocol development completed– FY10, Q3: Helmholtz coil delivered, installed, and calibrated– FY10, Q4: Initial round of testing completed for salmon and halibut– FY11, Q2: Second round of testing completed for salmon, halibut, and trout– FY11, Q3: Dungeness crab food detection experiments completed– FY11, Q4: Dungeness crab avoidance/attraction experiments completed

• Emphasis in FY12 will be to carry out lobster avoidance/attraction testing and conduct EMF testing on elasmobranchs. Test organism availability will drive the precise choice of organisms, schedules and go, no-go decisions.

Budget• No budget variances occurred in FY10 and FY11 and none expected in FY12.• FY10 and FY11 combined budgets 95% expended; no expected carryover into FY12.

Budget HistoryFY2009 FY2010 FY2011

DOE Cost-share DOE Cost-share DOE Cost-share

$230K $0 $60K $0 $190K $0


Plan, Schedule, & Budget:ORNL EMF Testing

Schedule• Work was initiated on 1 October 2010; planned completion date is 30 September 2012• Milestones for FY10 and FY11:

– FY10, Q2: Questionnaire related to EMF measurements distributed to industry– FY10, Q3: Protocol development completed – FY10, Q4: Initial testing of DC fields completed for minnows, clams, and snails– FY11, Q2: Experiments for response to AC fields commenced– FY11, Q3: Tests of AC fields on paddlefish and lake sturgeon completed– FY11, Q4: Tests of DC fields on channel catfish and striped bass completed

• Emphasis in FY12 will be to carry out additional tests of AC and DC fields using more freshwater species, measure EMF at an HK project, and develop experimental techniques for testing biological responses to multiple cables/generating units

Budget • No budget variances occurred in FY10 and FY11 and none expected in FY12.• FY10 and FY11 combined budgets 95% expended; no expected carryover into FY12.

Budget History

FY2009 FY2010 FY2011


150k 30k 120k


Plan, Schedule, & Budget:PNNL Acoustics Testing

Schedule• Work was initiated on 1 October 2011; planned completion date is 30 September 2012• Milestones for FY10 and FY11 (limited activities in FY10)

– FY10, Q4: Transfer of acoustics testing equipment to PNNL Marine Sciences Laboratory

– FY11, Q2: Acoustic test system installation and staff training– FY11, Q3: Acoustics fish testing complete for juvenile salmon– FY11, Q4: Data analysis and reporting complete

• Emphasis in FY12 will be to conduct acoustics testing on a second marine fish species, possibly an elasmobranch (shark, skate, or ray species). Test organism availability will drive schedule and go, no-go decisions.

Budget• Initial funding for acoustics delayed until FY11 due to equipment availability & logistical

issues• No budget variances occurred in FY11 and none expected in FY12• FY11 budget 95% expended; minimal carryover into FY12

Budget History

FY2009 FY2010 FY2011


$12k 0 $40k 0 $80k 0


Plan, Schedule, & Budget:PNNL Physical Effects Review

Schedule• Work was initiated on 1 October 2010; completed on 30 September 2012.• Milestones for FY10 and FY11:

– FY10, Q3: Literature search complete (habitat change, noise, chemicals)– FY10, Q4: Literature review and final report complete– FY11, Q3: Literature search complete (marine mammals, birds, fish)– FY11, Q4: Literature review and final report complete

• Emphasis in FY12 will be to support Tethys literature integration; no additional literature searches or reviews are planned.

Budget• No budget variances occurred in FY10 and FY11; no budget for FY12.• FY10 and FY11 combined budgets 99% expended; no carryover.

Budget History

FY2009 FY2010 FY2011


$25k 0 $0k 0 $25k 0


Plan, Schedule, & Budget:ORNL Physical Effects Studies

Schedule• Work was initiated on 1 October 2009; completed on 30 September 2012.• Milestones for FY10 and FY11:

– FY10, Q4: Literature reviews completed on MHK blade strike and potential for attraction/avoidance of project structures

– FY11, Q2: Strike study test protocols and equipment developed– FY11, Q3: Laboratory tests of strike carried out with 3 blade shapes and 4

freshwater fish species– FY11, Q4: Report on effects of blade strike on juvenile fish prepared

• Emphasis in FY12 will be to publish result of lab strike tests and carry out additional blade strike tests at ORNL or other lab.

Budget• No budget variances occurred in FY10 and FY11; no budget for FY12.• FY10 and FY11 combined budgets 99% expended; no carryover.

Budget History

FY2009 FY2010 FY2011


$150k 0 $30k 0 $120k 0


Accomplishments and Results:PNNL EMF Experiments

Species Tested Testing Endpoint Result

Juvenile Coho salmonDecreased swimming as alarm- response behavior

Inconclusive @ 3mT

Juvenile Coho salmonMelatonin/cortisol production as indication of stress

Decreased melatonin levels at 3 and 0.13mT but NSS

Rainbow trout eggs Survival and developmentSS delayed development @ 3mT for one exposure group; other exposure group NSS

Atlantic halibut embryos

Growth and developmentDecreased growth and development @ 3mT but NSS

California halibut embryos

Growth and developmentNo difference between test and control exposures

Adult Dungeness crabEMF detection as change in antennular flicking rate

No difference between test and control exposures

Adult Dungeness crabInterference in food detection ability

Decreased flicking rate @ 3mT but NSS

Adult Dungeness crab Avoidance or attraction to EMFNo difference between test and control exposures

NSS: Not statistically significant at p = 0.05. SS: Statistically significant at p = 0.05


Accomplishments and Results:PNNL EMF ExperimentsOUTCOMES•Endpoints for certain species indicated a response to EMF exposure, notably:

– Delayed development in rainbow trout eggs– Eye migration in Atlantic halibut – Behavior change in Dungeness crab seeking food– Increased stress hormones in juvenile coho salmon

•However none of these results were statistically significant, indicating that no adverse outcomes due to EMF exposure should affect permitting or operation of MHK devices at pilot- or full-scale operational scenarios.

Experimental results of Atlantic halibut development after exposure to EMF Video capture of Dungeness crab feeding response to EMF exposure


Accomplishments and ResultsORNL EMF Experiments


Fathead minnowsActivity levels and attraction/avoidance of DC fields

No attraction or avoidance of fields, but increased activity caused by EMF

Freshwater snails Attraction/avoidance of DC fieldsNo attraction or avoidance of fields

Asiatic clam Attraction/avoidance of DC fieldsNo attraction or avoidance of fields

Channel catfishActivity levels and attraction/avoidance of DC fields

No significant change in activity or location

Striped bassActivity levels and attraction/avoidance of DC fields

No significant change in activity or location

PaddlefishSwimming behavior response to AC fields

No significant responses

Lake sturgeonSwimming behavior response to AC fields

Variety of behavioral reactions to even low EMF strengths


Accomplishments and ResultsPNNL Acoustic Experiments


Juvenile Chinook salmon Tissue damageSS low levels of tissue damage observed @ 155-163dB.Low physiological cost to fish.

Juvenile Chinook salmon Hearing lossNSS difference between test and control exposures @ 155-163dB

NSS: Not statistically significant at p = 0.05. SS: Statistically significant at p = 0.05


Accomplishments and ResultsPNNL Acoustic Experiments

OUTCOMEEffects of acoustic exposure of test organism in close proximity to turbine noise

indicates that no hearing shift and only minor tissue will result, indicating that no

adverse outcomes due to acoustic exposure should affect permitting or

operation of MHK devices at pilot- or full-scale operational scenarios.

Respiration reservoir

AEP tank

Hydrophone holder

Fish holder

BioAmps

Respiration tube

Electrode wires

Recorded sound spectra for 6m OpenHydro tidal turbine

Experimental setup for Auditory Evoked Potential (AEP)


Accomplishments and ResultsPNNL Physical Interactions

FY10 Accomplishments

•Completed literature review focusing on 2009-2010 information (post EISA)• Habitat change related to device deployment• Device noise• Chemical leaching from coatings

• Information to be incorporated into Tethys


•Completed literature review of recent information (2009-2011)• Effects on marine mammals, fish, birds• Case study to assess effects of wave park presence on marine mammals

suggests minimal effects to gray whale migration or feeding behavior•Information to be incorporated into Tethys


Accomplishments and ResultsORNL Physical Effects Studies


•Completed literature reviews • Potential for attraction and avoidance of instream structures• Modeling of strike potential from single and multiple units

• Information to be incorporated into Tethys


•Developed blade strike experimental protocol and laboratory equipment•Carried out blade strike tests with freshwater fish early life stages

• 3 blade shapes• 3 water velocities (0.5, 0.85, and 1.15 m/s)• 4 fish species (minnows, striped bass, crappie, walleye)

•Information to be incorporated into Tethys


Challenges to DatePNNL EMF and Acoustics

Area of Study

Challenge Response

EMF

Ability to produce uniform EMF fields at varying strengths in an exposure system that can be configured to support testing of variety of fish and invertebrate species

• Purchase and installation of a custom Helmholtz coil system capable of 0.1 to 3mT in an 8 cf space

• Creation of versatile exposure systems complete with video capture to document behavioral responses during tests

AcousticsAbility to generate sound signatures similar to tidal turbine in a test system appropriate for salmonid effects testing

• In collaboration with UW-NNMREC, creation of relevant sound source term for tidal turbine scenario.

• Development of a custom test system to produce, measure, and record sound during effects testing


Challenges to DateORNL EMF and Acoustics

Area of Study

Challenge Response

EMF

Better characterization of EMF fields from multiple MHK generators (AC) and cables (AC and DC) and the consequent behavioral responses of variety of fish and invertebrate species

• Utilize information from EMF modeling and field measurements at prototype installations to better quantify the fields to which aquatic organisms will be exposed

• Investigate different behavioral responses among a wider range of freshwater organisms

Physical Interactions

Recreate realistic test conditions for MHK blade strike (water velocities, light levels, temperature) to study strike potential for a variety of fish species, fish life stages, and real world conditions

• In ORNL flume, expand testing to include wider series of fish early life stages, higher water velocities, and video analyses of fish/blade interactions

• Collaborate with another lab that has ability to test larger fish at higher velocities (e.g., Alden Research Lab)


Next Steps (FY12)PNNL EMF and Acoustics

EMF focus on American lobster and elasmobranch species (sharks, skates, rays).– Lobster testing in Q1-Q2 – Elasmobranch testing in Q3 and Q4

Acoustics exposure will include an additional species that has demonstrated sensitivity to sound and environmental relevance (e.g. elasmobranch, rockfish).– Testing schedule TBD on organism availability.

Inclusion of additional species will further reduce uncertainty related to environmental effects and address agency concerns on both coasts.

Development of a multi-stressor experiment (EMF + sound) would provide additional information to support long-term monitoring, but is currently unfunded.


Next Steps (FY12)ORNL EMF

Develop a detailed experimental plan that describes the next round of lab experiments with different types and strengths of magnetic fields, additional species, and new exposure designs

ORNL will design a study to characterize the static and varying fields at an operating MHK field site and the response of fish to EMF at that site

EMF field measurement procedures will be tested, and used to develop a draft EMF field monitoring protocol that will be useful to the MHK industry and regulators

Analyze EMF experiments (field site and/or laboratory) and submit final draft report to DOE

1 | Program Name or Ancillary Texteere.energy.gov Water Power Peer Review 2.1.3: Effects on Aquatic Organisms Dr. Andrea Copping Pacific Northwest National.

Documents

potential effects of

testing of emf

sublethal effects of

operation of mhk devices

mhk industry

potential impacts

water power peer review

water power program