Initial Screening of License Applications for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Plants with Regard to Their Interaction with the Environment

摘要

Presented is a three-step initial screening procedure to help NOAA assess the completeness and adequacy of the application with regard to the interaction of the OTEC plant with the environment. The three steps are (1) characterize the plant and site, (2) characterize the seawater intake and discharge flow fields, and (3) consider the major environmental issues associated with plant operation. The first step ensures that the application fully characterizes the proposed plant and site. The second step qualitatively describes the intake and discharge flow fields and then quantifies those descriptions. The third step identifies the major environmental issues and addresses them in light of the estimated behavior of the intake and discharge flow fields. The major issues are thermal resource utilization and recirculation; biota attraction and avoidance, entrainment, and impingement; biocide and other toxic chemical release; and nutrient redistribution. After completing the initial screening procedure, NOAA must evaluate the environmental monitoring program proposed by the applicant and prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) that fulfills the requirements of all concerned federal agencies. (ERA citation 10:027223)