Nine Mile Point Nuclear Power Station

About the Program
The Exelon Nine Mile Point Nuclear Power Station program engages in species conservation and educational events. Located in New York on the Lake Ontario shoreline, Nine Mile Point is within the Atlantic Flyway used by federally protected migratory birds. Bald eagles and wood ducks frequent the property. Nine Mile Point’s commitment to protecting native species is evident by limiting access to areas of the site where wildlife is nesting to minimize disturbance. A variety of turtle species have been observed in and around the wetlands, including the bog turtle and spotted turtle, prompting Nine Mile Point's Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) to begin developing a project to monitor their numbers.

Practices and Impacts

• Bluebird nest boxes were installed in 2017 through a community partnership with a local Eagle Scout troop. The project is managed to minimize disturbance during breeding and bird fatalities through window strikes. Additionally, local Girl Scouts provided assistance with nest box maintenance.
• A nesting pair of bald eagles has annually utilized the transmission lines at Nine Mile Point for raising their young. The ESC limits disturbance caused by vehicles or foot traffic in the nesting area to provide optimal habitat for bald eagles to raise their young. Monitoring the nest and reporting the information to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation supplements data related to the agency’s Bald Eagle Conservation Plan.
• The  ESC participates in the annual Conservation Field Day event held by the Oswego County Soil and Water District. Each year, local fifth-grade classes are invited to participate. Nine Mile uses this opportunity to engage students in discussions about local wildlife species and how the ESC supports and protects bald eagle nesting.
• The habitat project focuses on cleaning up trash around the large lake and wetlands on property. Annual clean-ups have been making a significant impact on the amount of trash.
• A new project focusing on phragmites removal is monitoring the invasive species to help inform future management decisions. 
• A deer management project on-site includes population control aiming to create a balanced ecosystem.
• The great blue heron project monitors a roost on the property. 
• The pollinator week education project seeks to educate participants on the importance of pollinators and share awareness.