Thermal pollution at Turkey Point, Biscayne Bay, Florida
Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. 1971. Thermal pollution at Turkey Point, Biscayne Bay, Florida. 33149. Environmental Protection Agency. Miami, FL
Field studies on the effects of thermal additions from the Florida Power & Light Company's discharge at Turkey Point have been conducted to determine the effects of this effluent on the macro invertebrates and fishes of the area. Replicate samples with a 3.3 m (10 foot) otter trawl lined with .63 mm (1/4 in) bar mesh were made monthly at 20 stations. Data on temperature, salinity and oxygen were collected during each sampling period. Additional chemical data was collected when opportunity existed. The experimental results suggest that maximum summer temperatures above 32°C cause detrimental changes in the environment which are reversible in the winter while temperatures above 33°C cause damage which does not recover during the cooler months. Intermittent flow of discharge water is not as damaging as constant flow. Card Sound' appears to be as productive as Biscayne Bay and temperatures exceeding 33 will also cause damage in Card Sound. This report was submitted in fulfillment of Project numbers WP- 01351-01-Al and DI FWPCA-18050 DFU under the sponsorship of the Water Quality Office, Environmental Protection Agency.