Effects of a Turbo Scouring on Striped Bass Eggs in the Savannah River

Abstract

Golder Associates monitored turboscouring effects on water quality and striped bass (Morone saxatilis) reproductive success at the CITGO Asphalt Refinery in the lower Savannah River, Georgia. The majority (67-70%) of entrained eggs and gum pellets were partially damaged or completely destroyed by entrainment. Water quality monitoring showed that scouring increased turbidity levels only along the river bottom up to 160 ft from the Turbo-scour unit. Scouring did not appear to alter salinity or dissolved oxygen throughout the water column. Physical destruction of entrained eggs may be the most detrimental impact of turbo-scour operations on the striped bass fishery. Egg destruction rates from a single scour system are insignificant when compared to overall natural mortality. However, future installation of scouring systems could have an additive effect on egg and larval mortality.