Approach Because of the complexity of the task, a step-by-step process of evaluation was defined for this program. Table VIII-A-1 defines the ten steps to be utilized in the evaluation of not only the SPS, but the nuclear and coal-fired generation systems. These steps begin with an identification of the type of power plant, proceed to a breakdown of the plant activities, including all of the pollution-related activities necessary to build and use the plant for 30 years. An attempt at definition of the pollutants and their effects will be made and finally, because the systems are not totally comparable, an interpretation of the overall effect will be made. This program will, by necessity, take several years and require a multiplicity of technical and scientific disciplines. In this document the methodology is defined and several important parameters defined. Figure VIII-A-1 shows the process methodology from source identification to impact classification. Table VIII-A-2 indicates the types of methodology techniques that can and have been used to evaluate environmental impacts of various large and small programs. The level of detail which the investigation can go is dependent upon the depth of detail available in defining the operational activities, the type and magnitude of the pollutant and the scope effects caused by the pollutant at the given magnitude for individual pollutants, synergistic or cascade conditions. Table VIII-A-2 lists these methodologies. In this program, the intent is to define as complete a network system as possible, but in some areas, especially early in the program, the level of detail of information may allow only ad hoc type evaluations. Table VIII-A-3 indicates the detail of knowledge available for impact assessment and shows a great deal of further investigation is required for the SPS. The flow of methodology for this investigation is given in figure VIII-A-2. Once the activity is defined and the pollutants identified, parallel investigations can be conducted into the definition of pollutant magnitudes and the scope of the effects. The level of knowledge then determines the detail available for the magnitude of single, synergistic and cascade effects and, in turn, the overall impact interpretation. Figures VIII- A-3, VIII-A-4a and VIII-A-4b show a more specific breakdown of the check pattern used in this program. Because of the complexity and detail required for the environmental analysis, a system of priorities was developed. Priority 1 items are those parameters considered to have a major impact on program results. Priority 2 items are those parameters considered to produce a measurable effect on the results. Priority 3 items will not be determined because they are considered as negligible affect parameters. Figure VIII-A-5a through VIII-A-7b prioritize the specific areas for investigation for each of the power systems, coal fired, nuclear and SPS.
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