HERITAGE PROJECT AT OCOTILLO POWER PLANT

Environmental Research Lab Research Projects

HERITAGE PROJECT AT OCOTILLO POWER PLANT

Arizona Game and Fish and Arizona Public Service are supporting a research project which is utilizing the saline blowdown water from the cooling towers of the Ocotillo Generating Station to grow halophytic plants with the intent of developing Urban Wildlife Habitat. The experimental and control sites were previously utilized for equipment storage. The ground had been repeatedly scraped and treated with chemicals to reduce weed growth. The experiment is utilizing water which would otherwise be discharged into the Tempe City Sewer system. The water, which has elevated Total Dissolved Solids due to the reuse in the cooling towers, is irrigating three species of Atriplex, (saltbushes), native mesquites, and Paspalum disticum, a native grass. All of these plants thrive on saline soils or salty water. Baseline surveys were conducted to determine the numbers of birds, rodents and reptiles using the plots. The plants were transplanted in March and April of 1996 and are being irrigated on a regular basis by hand and sprinkler until established. Later in the summer the plants will be put on automatic irrigation. Animal surveys are continuing as the plants grow and cover increases. Results will be attached to this site as they are collected.

PHOTOS OF THE SITE

JUNE 1996

Northeast test plot on June 13, 1996

Southeast test plot on June 13, 1996

Northwest test plot on June 21, 1996

Dividing line between test plot area and control plot area on June 21, 1996

Looking toward Power Plant from northwest experimental plot on June 21, 1996

The Ocotillo Generating Station with halophytes irrigated with saline cooling water

Temporary storage of saline cooling water to be used for irrigation

Mesquites planted in Northeast test plot

AUGUST 1996

Northeast test plot on August 20, 1996, Looking toward Power Plant