Welcome to the 2005 issue of the Wisconsin Focus on Energy Environmental Research Update. We publish this newsletter
annually to feature progress on projects funded by the Focus on Energy Environmental Research Program, along with
reports on the program's outreach activities. Please forward this newsletter to colleagues who may be interested
in our program or research projects.
All Photos in this newsletter were submitted in the April-June Quarterly Report for the WDNR research project "Changes
in Biodiversity in Selected Natural Communities"
What is the Environmental Research Program?
This program is part of the Wisconsin Focus on Energy public benefits program. Funding is set aside each year for
research into the environmental effects of electrical generation and transmission in Wisconsin. Projects are chosen
through a competitive RFP process.
The Environmental Research Program's primary goal is to identify and fill gaps in the body of existing knowledge about
the environmental impact of the electricity industry. Another major goal is to find effective ways to communicate the
results of this research to legislators and policy makers who will be formulating future regulations. For more information,
click here to link to the program web site.
SUMMARIES OF FINAL RESEARCH REPORTS FOR 2004:
Understanding Transmission Lines in the Environment
Ecological Effects of Fragmentation Related to Transmission Line Rights-of-way: A Review of the State of the Science
Principal Investigator: Susan Tikalsky, Resource Strategies, Inc.
tikalsky@rs-inc.com
What do we know about the effect of transmission lines on the ecology of the local environment, particularly in Wisconsin?
For the past fifty years, scientists have been exploring this topic and have produced a significant body of research. Now,
Susan Tikalsky has synthesized this existing work into a summary that establishes relationships to current issues in Wisconsin,
highlights the limitations of the research and offers recommendations for further research. Additionally, Ms. Tikalsky has
complemented her summary with a critical analysis from interviews with scientists involved in current research.
Much of the existing research on the environmental impact of transmission lines focuses on the issue of habitat fragmentation
from right-of-way (ROW) corridors. A transmission ROW can have both positive and negative impacts on the surrounding wildlife.
These long, narrow corridors through the landscape "fragment" the wildlife habitat. This fragmentation may limit some species'
freedom of movement and isolate them while expanding the territory for other species. The opening of woodland and brush-intensive
areas can encourage invasive species such as the spotted knapweed to enter and squeeze out endangered varieties. Also, increasing
edge habitat can simply change the mix of plant and animal species present in the area. Studies cited include research showing
that expanding edge habitat can lead to increased predation and parasitism of the nests of songbirds, but can also create
attractive habitat for such species as the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly, which has become abundant in Wisconsin
ROWs.
"Understanding Transmission Lines in the Environment" is a comprehensive account of the "state of the science" of ecosystem
fragmentation, its effects on species diversity and invasive species, particularly in the Midwest, and how this fragmentation
relates to transmission-line ROWs. The report also outlines issues needing further research which include: the successional
attributes of increased edge habitat over time, the connection between ROWs and the increasing spread of invasive species in
the state, as well as the need to know more in general about the impact of increased edge habitat.
This report is a critical resource for all parties involved with routing activities, and is a valuable resource for policy
makers, scientists and interested citizens as Wisconsin addresses the growing need for more transmission capability.
Catch-and-Release Testing for Mercury in Fish
Analysis of Fin Clips: Evaluation as a Non-lethal Method for Monitoring Mercury in Fish
Kristofer R. Rolfhus, Mark B. Sandheinrich and James G. Wiener, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, River Studies Center
rolfhus.kris@uwlax.edu
Existing approaches for monitoring mercury content in sport fishes involve the dissection of sampled fish and the subsequent
analysis of axial muscle tissue or edible filets. The purpose of this project was to determine if an alternative, non-lethal,
non-invasive sampling technique would yield accurate results. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse River
Studies Center examined whether analysis of methylmercury in a pelvic fin clip is a suitable substitute for the determination
of total mercury content in filets.
The researchers evaluated and compared fin and filet tissue from two popular game fish (northern pike and walleye). They collected
samples from 16 lakes in northern Wisconsin and Minnesota. Linear regression was used to determine the relation between
concentrations of mercury in pelvic fins and filets. The slopes of the regression equations were compared to determine if the
relations were constant among lakes and fish species, and to evaluate the utility of pelvic fins in the determination of total
mercury content in resident sport fish.
Researchers found a positive correlation for both fish species, with methylmercury content being slightly better correlated
than total mercury content. However, the total mercury analysis is simpler to perform and less expensive than that for methylmercury.
Results within a given lake were variable, but an overview of all data revealed promise in identifying the relative position of
a lake within the regional continuum with regards to fish mercury concentrations. Findings indicate the fin clip technique is
potentially useful for identifying lakes where fish are close to the advisory guideline. For example, the analysis showed that
concentrations of mercury present in fins in excess of 27 parts per billion (dry weight) indicated mercury in the filet that
exceeded the consumption advisory guideline of 0.050 ppm wet weight.
Fin clip analysis is a promising technique, particularly for testing endangered species and for making mercury monitoring in
fish populations easier and more economical. However, this project shows that there are more questions needing answers.
Rolfhus, Sandheinrich and Wiener emphasize that their results should not be accepted as applicable in general. There were
enough differences among their tested samples to show that fin to filet mercury comparisons need to be established for other
species of fish in different locations. The researchers are gathering data from other geographic areas (Arctic Alaska, New
England, and the Upper Midwest), and are developing a database to collect samples for future studies. This report is due for
publication in August 2005. To find out if it is available for download click
here.
PROJECTS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN 2005:
Measuring Vertical Fluxes of Gaseous Elemental Mercury near Several Major Sources in Wisconsin
Using Relaxed Eddy Accumulation
Project completion scheduled: June 2005
Principal Investigator: Mark K. Allen, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
mark.allen@dnr.state.wi.us
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is currently developing a rule to control mercury emissions released to the
atmosphere from coal-fired electric utility plants and other major sources. To support evaluation of the rule, the Department
is developing a modeling system for Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region. The vertical flux of mercury near land surfaces
needs to be quantified to more accurately model the potential impact of mercury emissions to the state from coal-fired electric
utility plants and other major sources. This project seeks to measure gaseous elemental mercury fluxes in the vicinity of
coal-fired electric utility plants and other major sources using a conditional sampling method called Relaxed Eddy Accumulation.
Impacts of Forest Management Activities on Carbon Sequestration and GHG Emissions
Project completion scheduled: June 2005
Stith T. Gower, Professor, Department of Forest Ecology and Management, UW-Madison
stgower@facstaff.wisc.edu
Carbon sequestration has the potential to assist in alleviating the rising levels of CO2 in the earth's atmosphere. Plants,
trees and other vegetation can absorb and store excess carbon. In order to use this strategy, however, we need to know more
about existing carbon levels in forested areas. This project will simulate forest carbon budgets using a modified version of
the ecosystem process model, BGC. The team will incorporate cutting-edge forest ecosystem net CO2 exchange responses from
results obtained by the Free Air CO2 Exchange (FACE) and forest ecosystem warming studies.
The study has a number of objectives. First, it will quantify the carbon content in forest vegetation, detritus, and mineral
soil for forests in Wisconsin. It will then model and evaluate the carbon budgets for three model forests, and conduct life
cycle analyses of forest product chains to identify management and industrial processes that can be modified to mitigate
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and/or increase carbon sequestration. Finally, it will expand previous analyses to include all
forests in Wisconsin, and incorporate ecophysiological elevated CO2 and warming mechanisms into an ecosystem process model
and simulate forest C budgets and forest product chains for future environmental conditions.
Fate and Transport of Mercury in a Recovering Watershed
Project completion scheduled: June 2005
James P. Hurley, Associate Scientist, Water Science and Engineering
Laboratory, UW-Madison
hurley@aqua.wisc.edu
Atmospheric transport, deposition, and reemission of Mercury (Hg) are key processes in the movement of this neurotoxin throughout
the globe. Historically, many of the mechanisms that control the cycling of Hg have been obscured by our inability to differentiate
between Hg which is new to the system, and that originating from the historic pool.
This project is an extension of a project funded by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Electric Power Research Institute
(EPRI) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). The project, Mercury Experiment to Assess Atmospheric Loading
in Canada and the United States (METAALICUS), is a whole watershed addition of stable isotopes of mercury (Hg) to a lake and
its watershed. The study takes place at the Canadian Experimental Lakes Area (ELA), located just north of the Minnesota-Ontario
border.
Two of the major goals of the project are to determine the fate and transport of the new Hg through the watershed (for example,
how quickly the added Hg is transformed and bioaccumulated in fish), and to assess the watershed recovery time due to reductions
in atmospheric Hg deposition. As new regulations on atmospheric emissions of Hg from the USEPA approach, it is important that
regulatory decisions are based on sound, scientifically defensible data on Hg cycling in the environment.
Population-based Methylmercury Exposure Assessment
Project completion scheduled: June 2005
Lynda Knobeloch, Ph.D., Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
knobelm@dhfs.state.wi.us
The purpose of this research is to identify subgroups at risk of mercury exposure due to their reliance on fish as a dietary
staple or their selection of fish that are know to be high in mercury. Researchers use both survey and hair sampling techniques
to gather data. By adding a series of questions to the Annual Behavioral Risk Factor Survey (done by the Department of Health
and Family Services), the project evaluates fish consumption patterns among adults living in Wisconsin, i.e. How much fish do
they eat? What types of fish are they eating the most? And where do these fish come from?
The project is also evaluating hair mercury levels among approximately 2,000 Wisconsin residents. Hair mercury analysis will
provide an indication of methylmercury exposure among a representative cross-section of Wisconsin residents. Specific research
questions include: What is the overall distribution of methylmercury exposure in Wisconsin? Are levels higher among men vs.
women? Are there differences among member of certain ethnic or racial sub-populations?
Reported fish consumption rates will be compared to methylmercury body burdens. This comparison helps to determine whether people
who eat a lot of sport fish or commercial fish have mercury body burdens that are of concern. Findings will be compared to
national and regional data in an effort to determine whether mercury exposure levels in Wisconsin are significantly higher
or lower than those observed elsewhere in the United States.
Assessing the Ecological Risk of Mercury Exposure to Common Loons
Project completion scheduled: June 2005
Project Manager: Michael W. Meyer, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Integrated Science Services,
Rhinelander, WI; Study Director: Kevin P. Kenow, U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest
Environmental Science Center (UMESC), La Crosse, WI
Michael.Meyer@dnr.state.wi
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Geological Survey, and the University of Wisconsin collaborated on a research
project designed to generate a scientifically defensible wildlife/mercury risk assessment model. The model focused on the common
loon, a species at risk to mercury exposure in Wisconsin. The model was needed to produce regulatory endpoints that will
safeguard wildlife from the toxic effects of excess mercury exposure. The project was successful in 1) developing a model that
describes the kinetics of mercury absorption and elimination in growing common loon chicks and 2) in assessing the impacts of
mercury exposure on loon chick growth, survival, behavior, and physiology.
Additional work is now being conducted to validate predictions of the toxicokinetic model, establish an accurate relationship
between mercury intake and blood mercury exposure, collect additional tissue partitioning data, and gather supplemental
information concerning the effect of mercury exposure on the immune function and physiology of loon chicks. A chronic dosing
study is being conducted using captive-reared loon chicks that are given measured doses of methyl mercury in their diet.
This information will be used to develop an empirical relationship between loon chick mercury exposure and prey mercury
content, assess the protective benefits of mercury sequestration in growing feathers, and refine our estimates of a LOAEL
for mercury risk assessment. The results of this work will be used to establish the level of mercury in fish that safeguards
survival and health of loon chicks reared on lakes in Wisconsin.
Projecting Impacts of Greenhouse Gases on Carbon Sequestration by Wisconsin Forests
Project completion scheduled: September 2005
Principal Investigator: Eric Kruger, Associate Professor, Department of
Forest Ecology and Management, UW-Madison
elkruger@facstaff.wisc.edu
Wisconsin's forests harbor the potential to sequester, or store, considerable amounts of the carbon emitted (as carbon dioxide)
through fossil fuel combustion, thereby helping to mitigate the effects of these emissions on atmospheric chemistry and global
climate. In turn, Wisconsin's forests are quite sensitive to levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide and other trace gases, such
as ozone, which are increasing rapidly. The Aspen Free-Air CO2 and O3 Enrichment Study (Aspen FACE) is uniquely situated to
study this complex topic in Wisconsin. This project utilizes data from Aspen FACE, along with air quality data from the WDNR
Air Management Program, to model and project impacts of elevated levels of CO2 and O3 on carbon sequestration by Wisconsin
forests during the next century.
Mercury in Power Plant Combustion By-Products
Project completion scheduled: June 2005
Principal Investigator: Ken Ladwig, Research Manager, Electric Power
Research Institute, Palo Alto, California
keladwig@epri.org
Mercury occurs in coal combustion by-products (CCBs) produced at power plants in concentrations typically ranging from about
0.05 mg/kg to 1.0 mg/kg. Concentrations in CCBs are expected to increase as a result of the federal and state initiatives to
reduce mercury air emissions from power plants, resulting in greater capture in the fly ash. It is important to understand
the fate of mercury captured in CCBs, so that appropriate management steps can be taken to ensure that new problems are not
created by transferring the mercury from one media to another. This project will establish mercury concentrations in field
leachates at CCB sites in Wisconsin, evaluate mercury leaching in the presence of ammonia from NOx control technologies, and
develop laboratory data on volatilization of mercury from ash samples.
Mercury Chemistry in Power Plant Plumes
Project completion scheduled: June 2005
Principal Investigator: Leonard Levin, Ph.D., Electric Power Research
Institute, Palo Alto, California
llevin@epri.com
Recent field and pilot-scale results indicate that divalent mercury emitted from power plants may rapidly transform to
elemental mercury within the power plant plumes. To establish the presence, direction, and rate of these reactions, it is
necessary to measure power plant plumes relatively close to the stack exit, and compare mercury composition there with
measured composition within the stack. This project seeks to establish whether significant reduction or oxidation reactions
occur to mercury emitted from coal-fired power plants, and what numerical redox rate should apply for extension to other
sources and for modeling of power plant mercury plumes locally, regionally, and nationally.
Comparative Toxicity of Secondary Coal Combustion and Mobile Source Emissions
Project completion scheduled: June 2005
Principal Investigator: Annette Rohr, Electric Power Research Institute
arohr@epri.com
The promulgated National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is mass-based, which assumes
that all PM is equal with respect to health effects. However, since PM is derived from multiple sources and varies widely in
composition, it is unlikely that all components are equally harmful to human health. This project investigates the role
played by specific emissions sources and components in the induction of adverse health effects by examining the relative
toxicity of coal combustion and mobile source (gasoline and/or diesel engine) emissions and their oxidative products. The
study findings will help to answer questions regarding which constituents of PM are responsible for the negative health
outcomes observed, the likely sources of these constituents, and the degree to which further regulation of PM will improve
human health.
Lichen Bioaccumulation and Bioindicator Study near Alliant Energy Columbia Generating Facility
Project completion scheduled: June 2005
Susan Will-Wolf, Botany Department, UW-Madison
Common lichens accumulate levels of pollutants from the air in ways that can be tracked and studied, revealing patterns of
how pollution is dispersed in the landscape surrounding its source. This project combines mathematical modeling of deposition
with a bioaccumulation study of mercury, sulfur and heavy metals in lichens, and a lichen bioindicator study, and uses the
Alliant Energy Columbia Generating Station as the point source. Mathematical modeling of pollution distribution around the
facility is evaluated with actual field data. Bioaccumulation data are collected at lichen bioindicator sites. Lichen
bioindicator surveys are repeated at 29 sites surveyed in 1974 and 1979 to assess biological impacts, providing the
opportunity to (1) assess long-term biological responses in the area near the facility, (2) assess long-term regional changes
at the "background" sites farther away from the facility, and (3) evaluate the biological responses in light of the pollution
levels indicated by the modeling and bioaccumulation data. Results of this study will be applicable to other areas in
Wisconsin.
OTHER CURRENT PROJECTS
Research projects scheduled for completion in 2006 and beyond include the following:
Mercury in Selected Fish Species over Time
Project completion scheduled: December 2007
Candy Schrank, Fisheries Management and Habitat Protection, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Changes in Biodiversity in Selected Natural Communities Related to Global Climate Change
Project completion scheduled: June 2008
Craig Anderson, Program Botanist, Natural Heritage Inventory Bureau of Endangered Resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Two monitoring projects provide ongoing data as part of national
networks:
Wisconsin NADP National Trends Network (NTN)
Bruce Rodger, Air Monitoring Field Operations, WDNR
Wisconsin Mercury Deposition Network (MDN)
Bruce Rodger, Air Monitoring Field Operations, WDNR
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH PROGRAM OUTREACH UPDATE
A number of new research project reports are due for publication in 2005-2006. Outreach efforts will focus on providing
summaries of project findings and publishing them on the Focus on Energy website. The complete final research reports will
also be made available on the web. We will be sending out e-mail announcements as these reports become available, so let
us know if you wish to receive these updates. Send your request to
ikelley@ecw.org.
