Cooling ponds can attract birds and insects, much like any other body of water. The warm water and surrounding vegetation create a habitat that may support various forms of life. Birds may visit the pond to drink, feed on insects or small fish, or rest along the shoreline. Some species may even nest nearby if conditions are favorable.
Some species may even nest nearby if conditions are favorable. Insects, such as mosquitoes and dragonflies, can be drawn to the still water, especially if there are areas with little circulation. While the presence of wildlife might seem natural, it can sometimes present challenges for power plant operators. For example, large numbers of birds may interfere with equipment or become exposed to warmer-than-normal water temperatures, and insect populations can become a nuisance or signal imbalances in the pond’s ecology. To manage these concerns, cooling ponds are often designed with features that discourage excessive wildlife activity, such as consistent water movement and habitat control measures.
