June 1982 U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

REGULATORY GUIDE 

OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REGULATORY RESEARCH 

REGULATORY GUIDE 3.46 

(Task FP 818-4) 

STANDARD FORMAT AND CONTENT OF LICENSE APPLICATIONS, 

INCLUDING ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS, 

FOR IN SITU URANIUM SOLUTION MINING

USNRC REGULATORY GUIDES 

Regulatory Guides are issued to describe and make available to the 

public methods acceptable to the NRC staff of implementing 

specific parts of the Commission's regulations, to delineate tech

niques used by the staff in evaluating specific problems or postu

lated accidents or to provide guidance to applicants. Regulatory Guides are not substitutes for regulations, and compliance with 

them is not required. Methods and solutions different from those set 

out in the guides will be acceptable If they provide a basis for the 

findings requisite to the Issuance or continuance of a permit or 

S license by the Commission. 

This guide was issued after consideration of comments received from 

the public. Comments and suggestions for improvements in these 

guides are encouraged at all times, and guides will be revised, as 

appropriate, to accommodate comments and to reflect new Informa

tion or experience.

Comments should be sent to the Secretary of the Commission, 

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C. 20555, 

Attention: Docketing and Service Branch. 

The guides are issued in the following ten broad divisions: 

1. Power Reactors 6. Products 

2. Research and Test Reactors 7. Transportation 

3. Fuels and Materials Facilities 8. Occupational Health 

4. Environmental and Siting 9. Antitrust and Financial Review 

5. Materials and Plant Protection 10. General 

Copies of issued guides may be purchased at the current Government 

Printing Office price. A subscription service for future guides in spe

cific divisions is available through the Government Printing Office. 

Information on the subscription service and current GPO prices may 

be obtained by writing the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 

Washington, D.C. 20555, Attention: Publications Sales Manager.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

INTRODUCTION .... ...........

Chapter 1 PROPOSED ACTIVITIES ....... ................ 

Chapter 2 SITE CHARACTERISTICS ...... ...............

2.1 

2.2 

2.3 

2.4

Site Location and Layout ..... ............ 

Uses of Adjacent Lands and Waters ............ 

Population Distribution .................. 

Regional Historic, Archeological, Architectural, 

Scenic, Cultural, and Natural Landmarks ....

2.5 Meteorology ...... .................. 

2.6 Geology and Seismology ................ 

2.7 Hydrology ....... .................. 

2.7.1 Ground Water .................. 

2.7.2 Surface Water .... .............

2.8 

2.9 

2.10 

2.11

Ecology ....... .................. 

Background Radiological Characteristics.. 

Background Nonradiological Characteristics 

Other Environmental Features ..........

Chapter 3 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED FACILITY .......

3.1 

3.2 

3.3

Solution Mining Process and Equipment... 

Recovery Plant Equipment ............. 

Instrumentation ..... ..............

Chapter 4 EFFLUENT CONTROL SYSTEMS .............. 

4.1 Gaseous and Airborne Particulates ........ 

4.2 Liquids and Solids ..... .............. 

4.3 Contaminated Equipment ..... ........... 

Chapter 5 OPERATIONS ...... ..................

5.1 Corporate Organization and Administrative Procedures 

5.2 Management Control Program ..... .............. 

5.3 Management Audit and Inspection Program ......... 

5.4 Qualifications ........ .................... 

5.5 Training ........... ...................... 

5.6 Security ...... ...................... 

5.7 Radiation Safety Controls and Monitoring .........

5.7.1 Effluent Control Techniques ............... 

5.7.2 External Radiation Exposure Monitoring Program. 

5.7.3 Airborne Radiation Monitoring Program .......

. . . . 3.46-1 

. . . . 3.46-2 

. . . . 3.46-2 

. . . . 3.46-2 

. . . . 3.46-3

3.46-4 

3.46-4 

3.46-6 

3.46-6 

3.46-7 

3.46-8 

3.46-8 

3.46-9 

3.46-9 

3.46-9

S. . . . .. . 3.46-11 

S. . . . .. . 3.46-11 

S. . . . .. . 3.46-11 

S. . . . .. . 3.46-12 

S. . . . .. . 3.46-13

3.46-13 

3.46-13 

3.46-13

S. .. . 3.46-14 

S. .. . 3.46-14 

S. .. . 3.46-14 

S. .. . 3.46-14 

S. .. . 3.46-15 

S. .. . 3.46-15 

S. .. . 3.46-15 

S. .. . 3.46-15

3.46-15 

3.46-16 

3.46-16

iii

V
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont'd)

Page 

5.7.4 Exposure Calculations ......... ................ 3.46-16 

5.7.5 Bioassay Program ...... .................. .... 3.46-16 

5.7.6 Contamination Control Program ................ ... 3.46-17 

5.7.7 Airborne Effluent and Environmental Monitoring 

Programs ........ ..................... .... 3.46-17 

5.7.8 Ground-Water and Surface-Water Monitoring Programs 3.46-17 

5.7.9 Quality Assurance ...... .................. ... 3.46-18 

Chapter 6 GROUND-WATER-QUALITY RESTORATION, SURFACE RECLAMATION, 

AND PLANT DECOMMISSIONING ...... ................ ... 3.46-19 

Chapter 7 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ............. ................... 3.46-21 

7.1 Site Preparation and Construction .... ............. .... 3.46-21 

7.2 Effects of Operations ........ ................... .... 3.46-22 

7.3 Radiological Effects ....... ..... .................... 3.46-22 

7.3.1 Exposure Pathways ...... .................. ... 3.46-22 

7.3.2 Exposures from Water Pathways ....... ............ 3.46-22 

7.3.3 Exposures from Air Pathways ................. ... 3.46-23 

7.3.4 Exposures from External Radiation ............. ... 3.46-23 

7.3.5 Total Human Exposures ......... ................ 3.46-23 

7.3.6 Exposures to Flora and Fauna .... ............ ... 3.46-23 

7.4 Nonradiological Effects ...... .................. .... 3.46-23 

7.5 Effects of Accidents ............ .................... 3.46-24 

7.5.1 Accidents Involving Radioactivity ............. .... 3.46-24 

7.5.2 Transportation Accidents ..... .............. .... 3.46-24 

7.5.3 Other Accidents ...... ................... .... 3.46-24 

7.6 Economic and Social Effects of Construction and Operation . 3.46-25 

7.6.1 Benefits .......... ...................... .... 3.46-25 

7.6.2 Costs ....... ....... ........................ 3.46-26 

7.6.3 Resources Committed ..... ................. .... 3.46-27 

Chapter 8 ALTERNATIVES TO PROPOSED ACTION ..... .............. .... 3.46-28 

Chapter 9 BENEFIT-COST ANALYSIS ............. ................... 3.46-29 

Chapter 10 ENVIRONMENTAL APPROVALS AND CONSULTATIONS ........... .... 3.46-30 

Chapter 11 REFERENCES ........... ........................ ... 3.46-31 

APPENDIX A Information Needed by NRC Staff to Perform Radiological 

Impact Evaluations for Commercial-Scale In Situ Uranium 

Solution Mining Facilities ..... ................ .... 3.46-32 

VALUE/IMPACT STATEMENT ......... ........................ .... 3.46-40

iv
INTRODUCTION 

A Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) source and byproduct material 

license is required under the provisions of Title 10, Code of Federal Regu

lations, Part 40, "Domestic Licensing of Source Material," to recover uranium 

by in situ solution mining techniques (in situ leaching). An applicant for a 

research and development or commercial-scale license or for the renewal or 

amendment of an existing license is required to provide detailed information 

on the facilities, equipment, and procedures to be used and an environmental 

report that discusses the operation's impact on the health and safety of the 

public and on the environment. This information is used by the Commission to 

determine whether the applicant's proposed activities will, among other things, 

result in undue risk to the health and safety of the public or adversely 

affect the environment. General guidance for filing an application and an 

environmental report is provided in § 40.31, "Applications for Specific 

Licenses," of 10 CFR Part 40 and in 10 CFR Part 51, "Licensing and Regulatory 

Policy and Procedures for Environmental Protection," respectively. The purpose 

of this guide is to provide specific guidance on the format* and content of an 

application, including an environmental report, for an in situ uranium solution 

mining facility license. Applications for licenses authorizing research and 

development studies are treated in a similar but less comprehensive manner 

than commercial-scale operations since such activities are not considered to 

be major Federal actions. 

This guide is intended to provide instructive guidance. It should not be 

considered as a substitute for a careful evaluation of a program proposed by 

an applicant. Information not specifically discussed in this guide should be 

included in the application if it is a part of an applicant's proposed or 

existing operations or health and safety or environmental protection program. 

In some cases, information discussed in this guide may not be appropriate or 

necessary depending on site-specific characteristics and circumstances. In 

those cases, an applicant should describe why the information is not necessary 

or appropriate. An incomplete application will result in processing delay and 

may result in the rejection of a license application. 

Changes to existing licensed activities and conditions require the issuance 

of an appropriate license amendment. An application for such an amendment 

should describe the proposed changes in detail and should discuss the potential 

environmental and health and safety impacts, using the appropriate sections of 

this document for guidance. 

Filing an Application 

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (83 Stat. 852), 

implemented by Executive Order 11514 and the Council on Environmental Quality 

In cases where an applicant is also required to file an application with the 

licensing or permitting agency of a non-Agreement State, the applicant should 

consult with the NRC and the State agency prior to preparing the application 

so that a format agreeable to both agencies can be developed. This will 

provide the applicant with an opportunity to prepare a single application 

document and/or environmental report that would satisfy both State and Federal 

agencies. 

v
regulations of July 30, 1979 (44 FR 55978), requires all agencies of the 

Federal Government to prepare detailed environmental statements on proposals 

for legislation and other major Federal actions significantly affecting the 

quality of the human environment. The principal objective of the NEPA is to 

build into the agency decisionmaking process an appropriate and careful con

sideration of the environmental impacts of the proposed actions. The NRC 

licensing and regulatory policies and procedures for the preparation and 

processing of environmental impact statements and related documents such as 

environmental impact appraisals in accordance with the NEPA are set forth in 

10 CFR Part 51. 

The provisions of paragraph 40.31(f) of 10 CFR Part 40 and of 10 CFR 

Part 51 require the submittal of both a license application (Form NRC-2) and a 

separate environmental report for certain activities requiring an NRC source 

and byproduct material license, including in situ uranium solution mining 

operations. In view of the nature of an in situ uranium solution mining 

operation, where the major consideration of both an applicant's submittal and 

the staff's review is the assessment of environmental impacts of the proposed 

activity, it appears reasonable that an application and environmental report 

for an in situ uranium solution mining license should consist of a single 

document (hereinafter referred to as the application) containing the information 

discussed herein. 

An application for a new commercial-scale license should be filed at 

least 12 months prior to planned construction for the proposed operation. An 

application for a new research and development license should be filed at 

least 6 months prior to planned construction for the proposed operation. An 

application for a renewal of an existing license should be filed at least 

30 days prior to the expiration date of the existing license. An application 

for an amendment to an existing license should be filed with sufficient lead 

time to permit a detailed assessment by the NRC staff and issuance of the 

required authorization before the proposed modification is scheduled to be 

implemented. All applications must be accompanied by a remittance in the full 

amount of the fee specified in § 170.31 of 10 CFR Part 170, "Fees for Facilities 

and Materials Licenses and Other Regulatory Services Under the Atomic Energy 

Act of 1954, As Amended." Applications may be filed with the Director, Office 

of Nuclear Materials Safety and Safeguards, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 

Washington, D.C. 20555, or may be filed in person at the Commission's offices 

at 1717 H Street NW., Washington, D.C., or 7915 Eastern Avenue, Silver Spring, 

Maryland. 

Section 51.40 of 10 CFR Part 51 requires an applicant for a license 

authorizing commercial-scale in situ uranium solution mining to submit to 

the Director of Nuclear Materials Safety and Safeguards 15 copies of the 

application described above. The applicant is also required to retain an 

additional 85 copies of the application for distribution to Federal, State, 

and local authorities in accordance with written instructions issued by the 

Director of Nuclear Materials Safety and Safeguards. An applicant for a 

license authorizing research and development in situ uranium solution mining 

or for amendments or renewals for any in situ uranium solution mining operation 

should submit 10 copies of the application and/or environmental report to the 

Director, Office of Nuclear Materials Safety and Safeguards.

vi
In situ uranium solution mining licenses are generally issued for 5-year 

periods and are renewable over the life of the project. License renewal appli

cations are processed in a manner similar to that used for new applications. 

Operational experience, site-specific data, and proposed continuing activities 

are the primary factors considered by the NRC staff in processing renewal 

applications. 

Presentation of Information 

The applicant should strive for clear, concise presentation of the 

information in the license application. Each subject should be treated in 

sufficient depth and with sufficient documentation* to permit the Commission 

to independently evaluate the information presented. An evaluation of informa

tion or data should clearly state the conclusions of the evaluation and should 

present the analyses and supporting data in sufficient detail to permit an 

independent reviewer to verify this result. Tables, line drawings, and photo

graphs should be used wherever they contribute to the clarity and brevity of 

the application. The number of significant figures stated in numerical data 

should reflect the accuracy of the data. Descriptive and narrative passages 

should be brief and concise. In cases where test results to support conclusions 

are presented, the procedures, techniques, and equipment used to obtain the 

test data should be included. 

Information previously submitted to the Commission may be incorporated 

into the application by reference. Each reference should be clear and specific, 

i.e., the reference should indicate by document, date, page, and paragraph the 

information the applicant wishes to reference and how such information is 

pertinent. 

Pertinent published information relating to a proposed site or facility 

and its surroundings should be referenced. Where published information or 

assumptions may be essential to evaluate specific aspects of the proposed 

activities, they should be included in summary or verbatim form or as an 

appendix to the application."* 

An in situ uranium solution mining operation may include one or more ore 

bodies or well fields in the same general area plus an associated processing 

plant. An applicant should address all projected activities to the extent 

Documentation as used in this guide means presentation of information, support

ing data, and statements and includes (1) references to published information, 

(2) citations from the applicant's experience, and (3) references to unpub

lished information developed by the applicant or the applicant's consultants. 

Statements not supported by documentation may be acceptable provided the appli

cant identifies them as such or as expressions of belief or judgment. 

The distinction between pertinent and essential hinges on the effect that the 

information may have on the review of potential impacts to public health and 

safety and the environment. Useful information that is not likely to impact 

public health and safety or the environment is pertinent, whereas information 

that may reasonably be necessary for the review to ensure protection of public 

health and safety and the environment is essential.

vii
possible over the anticipated lifetime of operations. If the proposed operation 

is at the site of other licensed uranium recovery activities, an applicant 

should consider the cumulative or synergistic effects of directly associated 

activities. 

All pages of the application should be numbered and dated. Any changes 

to the original license application or environmental report made prior to 

issuance of a source material license should be submitted to the NRC in the 

form of replacement pages, figures, charts, graphs, or tables. The date of 

the change should be included on each page of replacement material. The 

applicant should review the entire application and related documents to 

eliminate any contradictory statements or proposals that may result from 

changes to a particular chapter or section. 

Contents of an Application 

The application should contain the information specified in items 1 

through 8 of Form NRC-2. The information required in items 9 through 14 of 

Form NRC-2 should be incorporated into the various items identified in the 

chapters of this Standard Format that primarily address processing, in-plant 

radiation safety, and environmental considerations. Particular attention 

should be given to the information requested in Chapter 5, "Operations," of 

this Standard Format. Compliance with the specifications delineated in 

Chapter 5 is normally made a specific condition of the NRC operating license. 

The written specifications to be presented in the application in accordance 

with Chapter 5 (these written specifications are required by paragraph 40.31(h) 

of 10 CFR Part 40) are related to information in other chapters. Accordingly, 

Chapter 5 of this Standard Format should be reviewed in connection with other 

information throughout the total application. The following environmental 

concerns must also be fully addressed in these chapters: 

1. The environmental impact of the proposed action, 

2. Any adverse environmental effects that could not be avoided if the 

proposal were implemented, 

3. Alternatives to the proposed action, 

4. The relationship between local short-term uses of man's environment 

and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity, and 

5. Irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources involved in 

the proposed action if it were implemented.

viii
1. PROPOSED ACTIVITIES 

This chapter of the application should summarize the overall proposed 

activities for which a license is requested in sufficient detail to permit the 

reviewer to obtain a basic understanding of the proposed activities and poten

tial environmental impact. Review of the chapters that follow can then be 

accomplished with a better perspective and with recognition of their relative 

importance to the overall operations. The following subjects should be 

addressed: the corporate entities involved; the location of the proposed 

activities; land ownership; ore-body locations and estimated U30 8 content; 

proposed solution mining method and recovery process; operating plans, design 

throughput, and anticipated annual U308 production; estimated schedules for 

construction, startup, and duration of operation; plans for project waste 

management and disposal; plans for ground-water-quality restoration, decom

missioning, and land reclamation; and surety arrangements covering eventual 

facility decommissioning, ground-water-quality restoration, and site reclamation. 

Applications for licenses authorizing commercial-scale operations should rely 

heavily on results from research and development operations as a basis for the 

proposed processes, operating plans (including plans for ground-water-quality 

restoration), and assessment of potential environmental impact.

3.46-1
2. SITE CHARACTERISTICS

This chapter should present the basic relevant information concerning 

those physical, ecological, demographic, and social characteristics of the 

environs that might be affected by the proposed operations. To the extent 

possible, the information presented should reflect observations and measure

ments made over a sufficient period of time to allow defensible conclusions to 

be reached. 

2.1 Site Location and Layout 

Provide a map showing the site and its location with respect to any Federal 

land and to State, county, and other political subdivisions. On detailed maps, show the location of the proposed in situ uranium solution mining operations; 

well fields and all principal structures (e.g., waste ponds, evaporation ponds, 

recovery plant); exclusion area boundaries and fences; applicant's property; 

adjacent properties, including water bodies, wooded areas, and farms; nearby 

settlements; and transportation links (e.g., railroads, highways, waterways). 

Indicate total acreage owned or leased by the applicant and that part occupied 

or modified by the proposed activity. Also indicate other existing and proposed 

uses of the applicant's property and the acreage devoted to these uses. A 

contour map of the site should be supplied with elevation contours of an inter

val suitable to show significant variations of the site environs and drainage 

gradients. For clarity, this information should be supplied on separate maps. 

2.2 Uses of Adjacent Lands and Waters 

Indicate, within a 3.3-km (2-mi) radius [0.8 km (0.5 mi) for research and 

development operations], the nature and extent of present and projected land 

use (e.g., agriculture, sanctuaries, hunting, grazing, industry, recreation, 

roads) and any recent trends of changes in population or industrial patterns. 

In addition, for commercial-scale operations, identify any other nuclear fuel 

cycle facilities located or proposed within an 80-km (50-mi) radius of the site. 

Provide in tabular form for each of the 22-1/2-degree sectors centered on 

each of the 16 compass points, i.e., north, north-northeast, etc., the distances 

(to a distance of 3.3 km (2 mi)) from the center of the site to the following: 

1. Nearest residence. 

2. Nearest site boundary. 

Identify the location, nature, and amounts of present and projected 

surface- and ground-water use (e.g., water supplies, irrigation, reservoirs, 

recreation, and transportation) within 3.3 km (2 mi) of the site boundary 

[0.8 km (0.5 mi) for research and development operations] and the present and 

projected population associated with each use point, where appropriate. 

Data on both present and projected future water use(s) should be summarized 

and tabulated; users should be located on maps of legible scale. Tabulations 

should include:

3.46-2
1. Location: Include symbols shown on maps identifying the location of 

water users. Provide map coordinates if appropriate. 

2. Distances from proposed uranium solution mining well fields. 

3. Withdrawal Rate: Provide present and projected withdrawal rate for 

each water use. For ground-water uses, indicate depth of wells, ground-water 

elevations, flow rates, interval(s) screened, drawdown, and aquifers from which 

water is withdrawn, and characterize the uses of the aquifers. 

4. Return Rates: Provide present and projected return rates if appro

priate. 

5. Type of Water Use: Provide the type of water use for each location, 

e.g., municipal, industrial, irrigation, stock and game watering. 

6. Source and Projection of Water-Use Estimates: Where use rates are 

anticipated to change over the life of the project and beyond, indicate pro

jections and the source of the projection information. Sources for such 

projections may be available from users or planning agencies at different 

levels of government. 

7. Abandoned Wells: Furnish a tabulation of all abandoned wells and 

drill holes giving the location, depth, type of use, condition of closing, 

plugging procedure used, and date of completion for each well or drill hole 

within the site area and within 0.4 km (0.25 mi) of the well-field boundary. 

This information is generally available from public records and from inspection 

._- of the area. 

For items 3 and 4 above, indicate monthly values if seasonal use varies 

significantly. 

2.3 Population Distribution 

Population data presented should be based on the most recent census data. 

On a map of suitable scale that identifies places of significant population 

grouping such as cities and towns within an 80-km (50-mi) radius [3.2 km (2 mi) 

for research and development operations] from the approximate center of 

projected activities, concentric circles should be drawn, with the site at the 

center point, at distances of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 

80 km. The circles should be divided into 22-1/2-degree sectors with each 

sector centered on one of the 16 compass points, i.e., north, north-northeast, 

northeast, etc. A table appropriately keyed to the map should provide the 

current residential population within each area and for census years through 

the anticipated life of the operation. The table should provide separate and 

cumulative population totals for each sector and annular ring. Distance to 

the nearest residence should be noted for each sector. The basis for population 

projections should be described. 

In addition, for commercial-scale operations, descriptive material should 

include tables giving significant population and visitor statistics of neigh

boring schools, plants, hospitals, sports facilities, residential areas, parks, 

etc., within 3.3 km (2 mi) of the solution mining operations. The material 

should also include appropriate available food production data in kg/yr for

3.46-3
vegetables (by type and totals), meat (all types), and milk and any available 

future predictions by local governmental, industrial, or institutional 

organizations within 3.3 km (2 mi) of the site boundary. 

2.4 Regional Historic, Archeological, Architectural, Scenic, 

Cultural, and Natural Landmarks 

The application should include a brief discussion of the historic, scenic, 

archeological, architectural, cultural, and natural significance, if any, of 

the proposed site and nearby areas with specific attention to the site and 

nearby areas listed in the National Registry of Natural Landmarks and properties 

included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic 

Places. 

The National Registry of Natural Landmarks appears in the Federal Register 

(37 FR 1496). The National Register of Historic Places also appears in the 

Federal Register (44 FR 7416) where additions are published annually. General 

guidance on the treatment of historic, archeological, architectural, and cul

tural features can be obtained from the National Park Service publication 

entitled "Preparation of Environmental Statements: Guidelines for Discussion 

of Cultural (Historic, Archeological, Architectural) Resources," August 1973.* 

The application should identify those properties included in or eligible 

for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places located within the 

area of the proposed project. The applicant should also consult with the 

appropriate State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) concerning the identi

fication of properties included in or eligible for inclusion in the National 

Register of Historic Places. The application should contain evidence of contact 

with the appropriate SHPO. A copy of the SHPO's comments concerning the effect 

of the facility on historic, archeological, architectural, and cultural 

resources should be included in the application. 

State whether new roads, pipelines, and utilities for the proposed activity 

will pass through or near any area or location of known historic, scenic, 

cultural, natural, archeological, or architectural significance. 

2.5 Meteorology 

This section should provide a description of the meteorological diffusion 

characteristics of the site and its surrounding area. The description should 

be based on data collected on site and/or at nearby local meteorological 

stations. Sufficient data should be included to permit independent evaluations 

and assessments of atmospheric diffusion characteristics. Based on past appli

cation reviews of research and development operations, detailed meteorological 

data (other than basic wind speed and direction and precipitation/evaporation 

data) are not needed. 

The following data concerning site meteorology from meteorological 

measurements taken on site and/or at nearby representative stations should be 

provided: 

Copies may be obtained from Chief Historian, Room 1226, National Park Service, 

18th and C Streets NW., Washington, D.C. 20240.

3.46-4
1. Joint frequency data

a. National Weather Service (NWS) station data 

(1) Locations of all NWS stations within an 80-km (50-mi) 

radius 

(2) Available joint frequency distribution data by wind 

direction, wind speed, and stability class (3-dimensional 

numerical array) 

(3) Period of record by month and year 

(4) Height of data measurement 

b. Onsite meteorological data 

(1) Locations and heights of instrumentation 

(2) Description of instrumentation 

(3) Minimum of 1 full year of onsite joint frequency 

distribution data broken down by wind direction, wind speed, 

and stability class (3-dimensional array) with a joint data 

recovery of 90 percent or more 

2. Miscellaneous data 

a. Annual average mixing layer heights 

b. Description (general) of regional climatology, particularly 

including frequencies and durations of extreme wind speeds 

3. Total precipitation and evaporation by month 

This information should be fully documented and substantiated as being 

representative of expected long-term conditions at and near the site. 

The joint wind speed-stability-direction frequencies should be presented 

in tabular form, giving the frequencies as fractions when using 5-year NWS 

summaries or as the number of occurrences when using only 1 or 2 years of onsite 

data. The data should be presented for each of the 16 compass directions, and 

the stability categories should be established to conform as closely as possible 

with those of Pasquill. In addition, the annual average inversion height should 

be provided from other nearby weather stations. 

Guidance on acceptable onsite meteorological measurements and data format 

is presented in Regulatory Guide 1.23 (Safety Guide 23), "Onsite Meteorological 

Programs." 

In addition, this section should provide a discussion of general 

climatology, existing levels of air pollution, the relationship of the meteoro

logical data gathered on a regional basis to local data, the impact of the

3.46-5
local terrain and large lakes and other bodies of water on meteorological 

conditions in the area, and the occurrence of severe weather in the area and 

its effects. Data on diurnal and monthly averages of temperature and humidity 

should also be provided. 

2.6 Geology and Seismology 

A description of the geology of the site and establishment of the continuity 

of the geologic environs represented in the strata at the site should be included 

in the application. The discussion should note local and regional stratigraphy, 

structure, and tectonic history and should include geologic features such as 

dips, faulting, fracturing, and continuity of geologic strata at the site and 

in nearby regions. Structural and stratigraphic maps and cross sections, with 

representative core and geophysical well-log data, of the site and its environs 

should be included. Also include an isopach map of the intended zone of injec

tion or production and confining beds. Conclusions concerning the geology, 

particularly the lateral continuity and vertical thickness of the ore zone(s), 

surrounding lithologic units, and confining zones, should be based on lithologic 

logs from core and drill cuttings, geophysical data, remote-sensing measurements, 

and the results of other appropriate investigations that are needed to define 

the geology. Geologic and geophysical logs and other data should be furnished 

in an appendix. Proprietary data should be so designated and kept separate 

from the remainder of the application. 

An inventory of economically important minerals and energy-related deposits, 

in addition to the uranium ore,should be included in the discussion. Data 

defining the geochemistry of the ore zone and the geologic zones immediately 

surrounding the ore zone that will or could be affected by injected lixiviant 

should be included. Unique minerals (including those that might be affected 

by fluid movement associated with the proposed project such as bentonite) or 

paleontological deposits of particular scientific interest should also be 

identified. Any effect that planned operations might have on the future 

availability of other mineral resources should be noted. 

Discuss the seismicity (including its history) of the region. Where 

possible, associate seismic events with tectonic features identified above. 

Furnish a regional earthquake epicenter map showing site location. 

2.7 Hydrology 

The effects of well construction and well-field operation on adjacent 

surface and ground waters and the effective control and monitoring of subsur

face process fluids are of prime importance. The applicant should describe in 

quantitative terms the physical, chemical, biological, radiological, and hydro

logical characteristics; the typical seasonal ranges and averages; and the 

historical extremes for surface-water bodies and aquifers associated with the 

proposed project. Ranges, averages, and extremes should be evaluated to the 

extent that such characteristics can be distinguished from possible excursions 

during operations. Water-quality data should include measurements made both 

at and in close proximity (within 200-400 feet) of the proposed in situ uranium

3.46-6
solution mining areas (well fields). NRC staff Technical Position Paper* 

WM-8102, "Groundwater Monitoring at Uranium In Situ Solution Mines," should be 

reviewed in connection with this section. The position paper provides specific 

guidance for obtaining both surface- and ground-water-quality baseline data. 

2.7.1 Ground Water 

The hydrology of both regional and local ground-water systems should be 

described. The description of the ground-water setting should include identi

fication of the average thickness, lateral extent, general flow direction, 

average yield, and premining water elevation maps of the regional aquifer, the 

ore zone aquifer, and surrounding aquifers that might be affected. 

Within the local ground-water systems, all aquifers that may be affected 

by the proposed in situ uranium solution mining operations should be identified. 

The hydrologic properties of the local aquifers, including aquifer thickness, 

distribution of potentiometric levels, flow gradients, flow directions, flow 

velocities, directional permeabilities, transmissivities, storage coefficients, 

and porosities, should be described in detail. Confining beds or other 

lithologic units separating the ore zone(s) from other aquifers should be 

described. Vertical permeabilities, horizontal permeabilities, competence, 

lateral extent, and other data sufficient for evaluation of the confining 

properties of the beds with respect to preventing excursions should also be 

defined. A description of soil types and near-surface material, including 

hydrologic properties, should be presented in sufficient detail to permit 

evaluations of the effects of surface activities related to the proposed 

uranium mining operations. Conclusions concerning the hydrologic characteris

tics of site aquifers and confining beds and soil types should be based on well 

borings and cores, aquifer pumping tests, laboratory permeability tests, soil 

surveys, and the results of other appropriate investigations needed to define 

the hydrology. 

Descriptions of local ground-water wells, including well location, uses, 

amounts used, depth, screened intervals, yield, static water level, and pre

operational water quality used, should be presented in the application. The 

descriptions should be in sufficient detail to fully define the uses and 

sources of ground water in the project environs. 

All project-related wells, including well location, elevation, depth, 

screened intervals, static water level, and preoperational water quality, 

should be described in the application. 

The preoperational water quality of all aquifers that might be affected 

by the proposed operations, as well as the changes expected in quality due to 

the solution mining activities, should be described. 

Data and analysis of pumping tests, water-quality measurements, and other 

tests should be furnished to verify all hydrologic interpretations and 

conclusions. Methods of testing and analysis should also be described. 

*NRC staff technical position papers that are referenced in this Standard Format 

may be obtained from the Director, Division of Waste Management, Office of 

Nuclear Materials Safety and Safeguards, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 

Washington, D.C. 20555.

3.46-7
2.7.2 Surface Water 

Describe the location, size, shape, and hydrologic characteristics and 

uses of surface-water bodies in the environs of the site. 

Include a description of upstream and downstream river control structures, 

and provide a topographic map showing the major hydrologic features. Water

quality analysis and flow rates from U.S. Geological Survey gaging stations in 

nearby environs should be included. 

In the vicinity of evaporation ponds near drainage courses or where 

surface runoff is rerouted, the drainage areas of the water courses should be 

delineated. Where an embankment prevents surface runoff from entering or 

threatening an impoundment, stream cross sections in the impoundment vicinity 

should be provided to clearly show the vertical and horizontal relationships 

of the channel and the pond embankments. 

2.8 Ecology 

In this section, the applicant should describe the flora and fauna in the 

vicinity of the site, their habitats, and their distribution. This inventory 

should identify species that may require specific attention because of their 

importance to the community. A species is important (for the purposes of 

this guide) if a specific causal link can be identified between the facility 

and the species and if one or more of the following criteria applies: (1) the 

species is commercially or recreationally valuable, (2) the species is threat

ened or endangered,* (3) the species affects the well-being of some important 

species within criterion (1) or (2), or (4) the species is critical to the 

structure and function of the ecological system or is a biological indicator 

of radionuclides or chemical pollutants in the environment. 

The inventory should establish the identity of the majority of the 

terrestrial and aquatic organisms on or near the site and their relative 

(qualitative) abundance. The applicant should identify the important species 

from this list and should discuss in detail their quantitative abundance. This 

discussion should include species that migrate through the area or use it for 

breeding grounds. Special attention should be given to the relative importance 

of the proposed site environs to the total regional area for the living 

resources (potential or exploited). 

For commercial-scale operations and for research and development operations 

involving drying of yellowcake, the applicant should provide data on the count 

and distribution of important domestic fauna, in particular, cattle, sheep, 

and other meat animals that may be involved in the exposure of man to radio

nuclides. Important game animals should receive similar treatment. A map 

showing the distribution of the principal plant communities should be provided. 

In the writing and reviewing of environmental reports, specific consideration 

should be given to possible impact on any species (or its habitat) that has 

been determined to be endangered or threatened with endangerment by the 

Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce. New terminology 

defining "endangered or threatened with endangerment" has been issued in 

Public Law 93-205, 87 Stat. 884.

3.46-8
The discussion of species-environment relationships should include 

descriptions of area usage (e.g., habitat, breeding) for important species; 

life histories of important regional animals and aquatic organisms, their normal 

seasonal population fluctuations, and their habitat requirements; and identi

fication of food chains and other interspecies relationships, particularly when 

these are contributory to predictions or evaluations of the impact of the 

facility on the regional biota. 

Any definable preexisting environmental stresses from sources such as 

pollutants, as well as pertinent ecological conditions suggestive of such 

stresses, should be identified. The status of ecological succession should be 

described. 

The information should be presented in two separate subsections: 

"Terrestrial Ecology" and "Aquatic Ecology." The sources of information should 

be identified. As part of this identification, a list of pertinent published 

material dealing with the ecology of the region should be presented. All eco

logical or biological studies of the site or its environs currently in progress 

or planned should be referenced and described. 

2.9 Background Radiological Characteristics 

Report site-specific radiological data, including both natural background 

radiation levels and results of measurements of concentrations of radioactive 

materials occurring in important biota, in soil, in air, and in surface and 

ground waters that could be affected by the proposed activities. These data, 

whether determined during the applicant's preoperational surveillance program 

or obtained from other sources, should be referenced. NRC staff Technical 

Position Paper WM-8102 should be reviewed in connection with background (base

line) surface- and ground-water-quality monitoring programs. 

2.10 Background Nonradiological Characteristics 

Site-specific nonradiological characteristics, particularly those that 

are related to expected site-related effluents, should be reported. Data should 

include such indicators as heavy metals and other potentially toxic substances 

in surface and ground waters, atmospheric pollutants, dusts, etc., that could 

affect water or air quality. Other regional sources of these same materials 

should be noted along with a discussion of the possible incremental contribu

tion to the existing levels found at the site. NRC staff Technical Position 

Paper WM-8102 should be reviewed in connection with background (baseline) 

surface- and ground-water-quality monitoring programs. 

2.11 Other Environmental Features 

Some relevant information on the environs may not clearly fall within the 

scope of the preceding topics. Additional information may be required with 

respect to some environmental features in order to reflect the value of the 

site and site environs to important segments of the population. Such 

information should be included in this section. 

Much of the information from the preceding topics will be used by the NRC 

to perform an independent assessment of offsite radiological impacts. Detailed

3.46-9
computer assessments are performed for commercial-scale operations. Suggested 

formats for supplying much of the information necessary for an independent 

assessment of offsite radiological impacts resulting from the operation of a 

proposed commercial-scale facility are included as Appendix A to this guide.

3.46-10
3. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED FACILITY 

The in situ uranium solution mining operation should be described in this 

chapter. Since environmental effects are of primary concern, the combined 

effects of mining effluents and related systems that interact with the environ

ment should be described in sufficient detail to permit an independent 

evaluation by the NRC of the proposed project. 

3.1 Solution Mining Process and Equipment 

The entire in situ solution mining process should be described in 

sufficient detail to permit evaluation of all operations and processes involved. 

This description would include data about the ore bodies, the feasibility of 

processing defined well-field areas, well construction techniques and integrity 

testing procedures to ensure that well installations will not result in hydraulic 

communication between production zones and overlying or underlying aquifers, 

how wells and ponds will be completed, injection/production rates and pressures, 

proposed operating plans and schedules, details of the proposed uranium recovery 

facility and its operation, plant material balances and flow rates, lixiviant 

makeup and recovery efficiency, and major constituents and their concentrations 

in the gaseous, liquid, and solid wastes and effluents that will be generated 

in the process. The following should also be provided: 

1. A map or maps showing the proposed sequence and schedules for the 

in situ uranium solution mining well-field area(s) and well-field 

ground-water-quality restoration operations, 

2. A flow diagram of the process and/or circuit, 

3. A material balance diagram, 

4. A description of any chemical recycle systems, 

5. A water balance diagram for the entire system, and 

6. A map or maps showing the proposed sequence and schedules for land 

reclamation of the well-field areas. 

3.2 Recovery Plant Equipment 

A physical description and operating characteristics for the proposed 

major items of process equipment should be provided. A diagram of the proposed 

plant layout, indicating areas and points where dusts, fumes, or gases would 

be generated, should be included. The diagram should also show the locations 

of all ventilation, filtration, confinement, and dust collection systems, as 

well as the location of the radiation monitoring equipment identified in 

Chapters 4, "Effluent Control Systems," and 5, "Operations."

3.46-11
3.3 Instrumentation 

A description of proposed process instrumentation and control systems relevant to safety and radiation safety sampling and monitoring instrumentation, 

including their minimum specifications and operating characteristics, should 

be provided. This includes well-field process control equipment for monitoring injection pressures and rates and production rates. Sufficient information 

should be included to permit an evaluation of the interrelationship between 

instrumentation systems and the operations or processes to be controlled or 

monitored.

3.46-12
4. EFFLUENT CONTROL SYSTEMS

4.1 Gaseous and Airborne Particulates 

Provide a description of all proposed ventilation, filtration, and confine

ment systems that are to be used during operations to control the release of 

radioactive materials to the atmosphere. Include an analysis of equipment as 

designed and operated to prevent radiation exposures to employees and to limit 

such exposures to as low as is reasonably achievable (ALARA). The definition 

and operating philosophy for ALARA are contained in paragraph 20.1(c) of 10 CFR 

Part 20 and in Regulatory Guide 8.10, "Operating Philosophy for Maintaining 

Occupational Radiation Exposures As Low As Is Reasonably Achievable." Also 

include a physical description of discharge stacks, types and estimated 

composition and flow rates of atmospheric effluents, and proposed methods for 

controlling such release levels ALARA. 

4.2 Liquids and Solids 

To the extent that information is not provided in Section 3.1, provide a 

realistic estimate of the quantities and composition of all waste residues 

expected, along with proposed procedures for their management. Where retention 

systems such as ponds are to be used to prevent the release of liquid or solid 

wastes containing radioactive material, provide the information specified in 

Regulatory Guide 3.11, "Design, Construction, and Inspection of Embankment 

Retention Systems for Uranium Mills," and describe the type of liner and leak 

detection system proposed, as well as the quality assurance program to be used 

> for installation of the liner and leak detection system. Also provide descrip

tions and design details for all temporary and permanent surface-water diversion 

facilities. NRC staff Technical Position Papers WM-8101, "Design, Installation, 

and Operation of Natural and Synthetic Liners at Uranium Recovery Facilities"; 

WM-8201, "Hydrologic Design Criteria for Tailings Retention Systems"; and 

"Explorations for Design and Evaluation of Uranium Mill Tailings Retention 

Systems," should be consulted in addition to Regulatory Guide 3.11 to provide 

design criteria acceptable to the NRC staff. Describe contingency plans to 

mitigate any environmental impact in the event that leakage occurs from impound

ments containing potentially harmful materials. (See § 20.301 of 10 CFR Part 20.) 

If effluents are to be released into waters of the United States, provide a 

discussion of the status of efforts to obtain a water-quality certification under 

Section 401 and discharge permits under Section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution 

Control Act, as amended, or submit copies of these items if already issued. 

4.3 Contaminated Equipment 

Provide a description of the methods for disposing of contaminated waste 

solids (e.g., ion exchange resins, filters, filter presses, obsolete or 

worn-out equipment) that are generated in the uranium recovery process.* 

See Branch Technical Position, "Guidelines for Decontamination of Facilities 

and Equipment Prior to Release for Unrestricted Use or Termination of Licenses 

for Byproduct, Source, or Special Nuclear Material," dated November 1976. 

Copies may be obtained from the Director, Division of Waste Management, Office 

of Nuclear Materials Safety and Safeguards, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 

Washington, D.C. 20555. 

3.46-13
5. OPERATIONS 

Compliance with the statements, representations, and procedures provided 

in this chapter will normally be made a specific condition of the NRC source 

material license. Thus, the sections of this chapter should be considered as 

specific commitments on the part of the applicant for conducting operations, 

radiological protection programs, and all monitoring programs. In addition, 

the bases for all programs addressed in this chapter, as well as the demon

stration of their adequacy, should be provided. In order to facilitate 

administration of the license by the licensee and NRC, this chapter should be 

complete in itself, insofar as possible, without references to other submittals.* 

The requirements of 10 CFR Part 20 are an integral part of this chapter. 

Specific sections of 10 CFR Part 20 are referenced where appropriate. 

5.1 Corporate Organization and Administrative Procedures 

Provide a detailed description of the applicant's proposed organization, 

including authority and responsibility of each level of management and super

vision with regard to development, review, approval, implementation, and 

adherence to operating procedures, radiation safety programs, environmental 

and ground-water monitoring programs and associated quality assurance programs, 

routine and nonroutine maintenance activities, and changes in any of the above. 

5.2 Management Control Program 

Describe the proposed management control program and administrative 

procedures to ensure that all activities are conducted in accordance with 

written operating procedures that will be approved and reviewed at specified 

frequencies by the applicant's radiation safety staff. This program should 

provide a method for ensuring that any nonroutine work or maintenance activity 

not covered by an effective operating procedure will be conducted in accordance 

with a special work permit reviewed and approved by the applicant's radiation 

safety staff. 

5.3 Management Audit and Inspection Program 

Describe the proposed management audit and internal inspection program, 

including frequencies and types and scopes of reviews and inspections, action 

levels, and corrective action measures. Identify by management position the 

person responsible for each phase of the audit and inspection program. Also 

Draft Regulatory Guides OH 941-4, "Information Relevant to Ensuring That 

Occupational Radiation Exposures at Uranium Mills Will Be As Low As Is 

Reasonably Achievable," OH 710-4, "Health Physics Surveys in Uranium Mills," 

and Regulatory Guide 8.22, "Bioassay at Uranium Mills," should be reviewed in 

connection with this chapter. Although these guides are for uranium mills, 

some of the guidance may be applied to solution mining recovery plants since 

the basic processes and potential for exposing workers to uranium and its 

daughters in a recovery plant are similar to those of certain milling 

operations.

3.46-14
provide a detailed description of the program for ensuring that employee 

exposures (to both airborne and external radiation) and effluent releases are 

as low as is reasonably achievable (ALARA program). (See paragraph 20.1(c) of 

10 CFR Part 20.) 

5.4 Qualifications 

Provide a description of the minimum qualifications and experience 

required for personnel holding positions in the applicant's proposed organiza

tion who will be assigned the responsibility for developing, conducting, and 

administering the radiation safety program. Describe in an appendix the quali

fications of the persons currently proposed for these positions. (In cases 

where specific individual appointments may not have been made when an 

application was filed, minimum specifications will suffice.) 

5.5 Training 

Provide a description of the proposed employee radiological protection 

training program, including the content of the initial training or indoctri

nation, testing, on-the-job training, and extent and frequency of retraining. 

In an appendix in conformance with § 19.12 of 10 CFR Part 19, provide a copy 

of the proposed written radiological safety instructions to be provided to 

employees. These instructions should include provisions for personal hygiene 

(including washing), for contamination surveying prior to eating or leaving 

the operating area, for wearing personnel monitoring devices and respirators, 

for good housekeeping requirements, for cleaning up spills within the site 

boundary, and for emergency action in the event of accidents. 

5.6 Security 

Provide a description of the proposed method for preventing unauthorized 

entry into the controlled area. (See § 20.203 of 10 CFR Part 20.) 

5.7 Radiation Safety Controls and Monitoring 

Paragraph 20.1(c) of 10 CFR Part 20 states that "... persons engaged in 

activities under licenses issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission pursuant 

to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and the Energy Reorganization 

Act of 1974 should, in addition to complying with the requirements set forth 

in this part, make every reasonable effort to maintain radiation exposures, 

and releases of radioactive materials in effluents to unrestricted areas, as 

low as is reasonably achievable." Regulatory Guide 8.10 provides the NRC 

staff position on this important subject. License applicants should give 

consideration to the ALARA philosophy, as described in Regulatory Guide 8.10, 

in the development of plans for work with licensed radioactive materials. 

The following material should be provided. 

5.7.1 Effluent Control Techniques 

Describe the proposed systems and procedures designed to minimize in-plant 

and environmental emissions at each step of the process where releases might 

occur. Provide the minimum performance specifications such as filtration or 

scrubber efficiency and airflow for operating the ventilation, filtration, and

3.46-15
confinement systems throughout the recovery plant and associated laboratories 

at their reasonably expected best performance and the frequency of tests and 

inspections to ensure that these specifications are being met. Include 

descriptions of the contingency plans to be implemented in the event of 

equipment failures or spills. 

5.7.2 External Radiation Exposure Monitoring Program 

Describe the proposed methods, instrumentation, and equipment for 

determining exposures of employees to external radiation, in conformance with 

§ 20.101 of 10 CFR Part 20, during routine and nonroutine operations, main

tenance, and cleanup activities. Also describe the type of surveys to be 

conducted, criteria for determining survey locations, frequency of surveys, 

action levels, management audits, and corrective action requirements. For 

personnel monitoring devices such as film badges, indicate the number and 

category of personnel involved in the program and the sensitivity and range of 

the devices. For survey instruments, provide instrument sensitivities, ranges, 

calibration methods (in an appendix), and frequency of calibration. (See 

§§ 20.201 and 20.202 of 10 CFR Part 20.) 

5.7.3 Airborne Radiation Monitoring Program 

Describe the proposed sampling program to determine concentrations of 

airborne radioactive materials (including radon) during routine and nonroutine 

operations, maintenance, and cleanup activities. (See §§ 20.103, 20.201, 

and 20.203 of 10 CFR Part 20.) In the description of the sampling program, 

include: 

1. The criteria for determining sampling locations with respect to 

process operations and personnel occupancy; and 

2. The frequency of sampling, type of analyses, sensitivity of overall 

sampling and analyses, action levels, management audits, corrective action 

requirements, and instrumentation calibration frequency. Procedures for sample 

analyses and instrument calibration should be included in an appendix. 

5.7.4 Exposure Calculations 

Describe the proposed procedure, in conformance with § 20.103 of 10 CFR 

Part 20, to determine the intake of radioactive materials by personnel in work 

areas where airborne radioactive materials could exist. Include those exposures 

incurred during nonroutine operations, maintenance, and cleanup activities as 

well as during routine activities. 

5.7.5 Bioassay Program 

Describe the proposed bioassay program to confirm the results derived 

from the programs identified in Sections 5.7.3 and 5.7.4. Indicate the number 

and category of personnel involved in the program, the types and frequencies 

of bioassays performed, and action level criteria to be applied to bioassay 

results. (See §§ 20.103 and 20.108 and Appendix B to 10 CFR Part 20.)

3.46-16
5.7.6 Contamination Control Program 

Describe the proposed occupational radiation survey program to determine 

that employees (plus their workclothes or coveralls, etc.) entering clean areas 

(lunchrooms, offices, etc.) or leaving the site are not contaminated with radio

active materials. The description should include proposed housekeeping and 

cleanup requirements and specifications in process areas to control contamina

tion; frequency of surveys of clean areas; survey methods; and minimum 

sensitivity, range, and calibration frequency of survey equipment. Provide 

proposed contamination criteria or action levels for clean areas and for the 

release of materials, equipment, and workclothes to clean areas or from the 

site. Procedures for instrument calibration should be included in an appendix. 

(See §§ 20.201 and 20.202 of 10 CFR Part 20.) See also Branch Technical 

Position, "Guidelines for Decontamination of Facilities and Equipment Prior to 

Release for Unrestricted Use or Termination of Licenses for Byproduct, Source, 

or Special Nuclear Material," dated November 1976. 

5.7.7 Airborne Effluent and Environmental Monitoring Programs* 

Describe in detail the proposed effluent and environmental monitoring 

programs, including methods and procedures for measuring concentrations and 

quantities of both radioactive and nonradioactive materials released to and in 

the environs. The description of the proposed monitoring programs should 

include the technical basis used to determine environmental concentrations to 

show conformance with §§ 20.103, 20.105, and 20.106 of 10 CFR Part 20. 

For both effluent and environmental monitoring, the frequency of sampling 

and analysis, the types and sensitivity of analysis, action levels and correc

tive action requirements, and the minimum number and criteria for locating 

effluent and environmental monitoring stations should be provided. Proposed 

locations should be indicated on a topographic map of the site and surrounding 

area. 

5.7.8 Ground-Water and Surface-Water Monitoring Programs 

Describe the monitoring programs to be used to determine if the lixiviant 

and/or contaminants are in hydrologic communication with other lithologic zones 

or with ground-water or surface-water supplies or have migrated laterally out

side the well-field area. This description should include the technical basis 

for the monitoring programs, including the number and location of monitoring 

stations, the criteria used for locating sampling stations and determining 

sampling frequency, the excursion indicators and criteria used in determining 

them, and upper control limits for excursion indicators and corrective action 

requirements. Provide the procedures for sample collection and analyses in an 

appendix. See NRC staff Technical Position Paper WM-8102 regarding excursion 

indicator sets, upper control limits, and operational ground-water monitoring. 

(See §§ 20.103, 20.105, and 20.106 of 10 CFR Part 20.) 

Regulatory Guide 4.14, "Radiological Effluent and Environmental Monitoring at 

Uranium Mills," should be reviewed in connection with this section.

3.46-17
5.7.9 Quality Assurance* 

Describe the quality assurance programs for all radiological and 

nonradiological in-plant, effluent, and environmental (including ground-water) 

monitoring programs. 

Regulatory Guide 4.15, "Quality Assurance for Radiological Monitoring Programs 

(Normal Operations) - Effluent Streams and the Environment," should be reviewed 

in connection with this section.

3.46-18
6. GROUND-WATER-QUALITY RESTORATION, SURFACE RECLAMATION, 

AND PLANT DECOMMISSIONING 

The applicant should describe in detail proposed plans for ground-water

quality restoration, surface reclamation, and plant decommissioning. 

Detailed discussions should be provided for the following: 

1. Plans and schedule(s) for ground-water-quality restoration, including: 

a. An estimate of the quantities, concentrations, and lateral and 

vertical extent of those chemicals that may persist in leached-out well-field 

production zones after termination of in situ mining operations and prior to 

restoration activities; 

b. A description of proposed methods and techniques to be used to 

achieve ground-water-quality restoration, including identification of in situ 

chemical reactions that may hinder or enhance restoration. The applicant should 

provide an analysis of the methods and techniques to be used to achieve restor

ation in terms of fluids to be used during restoration and the hydraulic and 

geochemical properties of the receiving stratum. For commercial-scale opera

tions, the restoration methods and techniques should be based on results obtained 

from research and development operations. In addition, for commercial-scale 

operations, a schedule for sequential restoration of mine units should be 

included; 

c. A description of the expected postreclamation conditions and 

quality of restored ground waters, compared with the preoperational land and 

water-quality characteristics; 

d. An assessment of the proposed water-quality restoration 

operations with respect to adversely affecting ground waters outside production 

zones; and 

e. The procedures to be used for plugging, sealing, capping, and 

abandoning all wells associated with the in situ solution mining operations. 

2. Plans and schedule(s) for reclaiming disturbed lands, including; 

a. A contour map showing the approximate postreclamation surface 

contours for affected lands and immediate surrounding area(s); 

b. Procedures for the reclamation of any temporary diversion ditches 

and impoundments; 

c. Procedures for reestablishing any surface drainage that may be 

disrupted by the solution mining operations; 

d. Procedures for mitigating or controlling the effects of any 

subsidence; and

3.46-19
e. Procedures for ground surface preparation, depth of topsoil 

replacement and revegetation plans, erosion control and water conservation 

practices, and proposed postoperational land use. 

3. Procedures for removing and disposing of structures used in conjunction 

with the in situ solution mining operations, including procedures for managing 

all toxic and radioactive materials. In the discussion pertaining to the 

disposal of wastes produced by in situ solution mining operations, procedures 

for removal and disposal of byproduct material to an existing uranium mill 

tailings disposal site or licensed burial site should be included. 

4. Procedures for conducting postreclamation and decommissioning radio

logical surveys to ensure that sufficient potential radioactive contamination 

has been removed from the site to permit its release for unrestricted use. 

Include plans for postoperational ground-water monitoring to ensure that 

restored water quality is stabilized. See NRC staff Technical Position Paper 

WM-8102 regarding postoperational ground-water monitoring programs. 

5. Financial arrangements to be made to ensure that adequate funds will 

be available for the ground-water-quality restoration, facility decommissioning, 

land reclamation, offsite disposal of byproduct waste material, and monitoring 

described above. Such arrangements should be based on a financial assessment 

of estimated costs, which should also be included.

3.46-20
7. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

The construction of facilities and well drilling will inevitably affect 

the environment; some of the effects may be adverse and others beneficial. 

Effects are considered adverse if environmental change or stress causes a 

valuable or otherwise important biotic population or natural resource to be 

less safe, less healthy, less abundant, less productive, less esthetically or 

culturally pleasing; if the change or stress reduces the diversity and variety 

of individual choice or the standard of living; or if the change or stress 

tends to lower the quality of renewable resources or to impair the recycling 

of depletable resources. 

The applicant's discussion of adverse environmental effects should 

distinguish between those that are considered unavoidable and subject to later 

amelioration and those that are regarded as unavoidable and irreversible. 

Those effects representing an irreversible and irretrievable commitment of 

resources should receive detailed consideration. (In the context of this dis

cussion, "irretrievable commitment of resources" refers to natural resources 

and means their permanent impairment, e.g., loss of wildlife habitat; destruc

tion of nesting, breeding, or nursing areas; interference with migratory routes; 

loss of valuable or esthetically treasured natural areas; and expenditure of 

directly used resources.) 

7.1 Site Preparation and Construction 

The applicant should organize the discussion in terms of the effects of 

site preparation and construction on both land use and water use. The applicant 

should consider the consequences to both human and wildlife populations and 

should indicate which are unavoidable, irreversible, etc., according to the 

categorization set forth above. 

A description of how construction activities may disturb the existing 

terrain and wildlife habitats should be included in the land-use discussion. 

Consider the effects of such activities as building temporary or permanent 

roads, bridges, or service lines; disposing of trash; excavating; and land 

filling. Provide information bearing on such questions as how much land will 

be disturbed and for how long, and will there be dust or smoke problems. 

Indicate proximity of human populations, and identify undesirable impacts on 

their environment arising from noise, disruption of stock grazing patterns, and 

inconvenience due to the movement of men, material, and machines, including 

activities associated with any provision of housing, transportation, and edu

cational facilities for workers and their families. Describe any expected 

changes in accessibility of historic and archeological sites in the region. 

Discuss measures designed to mitigate or reverse undesirable effects such as 

erosion control, dust stabilization, landscape restoration, control of truck 

traffic, and restoration of affected habitats. 

The discussion should also include any effects of site preparation and 

construction activities the consequences of which may be beneficial to the 

region.

3.46-21
The discussion of water use should describe the impact of site preparation 

and construction activities on area water sources. The applicant should 

describe the effects of these activities on fish and wildlife resources, water 

quality, water supply, esthetics, etc., as applicable. Describe measures such 

as pollution control and other procedures for habitat improvement to mitigate 

undesirable effects. 

7.2 Effects of Operations 

The impacts of operation of the proposed activity should be, to the fullest 

extent practicable, quantified and systematically presented in this section. 

In the discussion of each impact, the applicant should make clear whether the 

supporting evidence is based on theoretical, laboratory, onsite, or field studies 

undertaken for this or for previous operations. The source of each impact (the 

plant subsystem, waste effluent) and the population or resource affected should 

be made clear in each case. The impacts should be distinguished in terms of 

their effects on surface-water bodies, ground water, air, land, land use, 

ecological systems, and important plants and animals, etc. 

7.3 Radiological Effects 

In this section, the applicant should consider the radiological effects 

of operations on man. Estimates of the radiological impact on man via various 

exposure pathways should be provided. 

7.3.1 Exposure Pathways 

The various possible pathways for radiation exposure of man should be 

identified and described in textual and flow-chart format. Discuss any expo

sure pathways, if they exist, involving radionuclide accumulation in specific 

components of the environment. Suggested formats for supplying information 

necessary for the NRC independent evaluation of offsite radiological impacts 

resulting from the operation of a proposed commercial-scale facility are 

outlined in Appendix A to this guide. 

7.3.2 Exposures from Water Pathways 

Estimate the expected annual average concentrations of radioactive nuclides 

in receiving water at locations where water is consumed or is otherwise used 

by human beings or where it is inhabited by biota of significance to human food 

chains. Specify the dilution factors used in preparing the estimates and the 

locations where the dilution factors are applicable. Consideration should be 

given to the absence of mixing and dilution because of factors such as channeling. 

Estimate the expected radionuclide concentrations in aquatic and terrestrial 

organisms significant to human food chains. Use bioaccumulation factors as 

necessary. 

Using the above information and any other necessary supporting data, 

calculate the total annual body and significant organ doses (in millirems) to 

individuals in the population from all receiving-water-related exposure path

ways, i.e., all sources of internal and external exposure. Provide an appendix 

describing details of the models and assumptions used in these calculations.

3.46-22
7.3.3 Exposures from Air Pathways

From release rates of airborne radioactivity and meteorological data, 

estimate total annual body and significant organ doses (in millirems) to indi

viduals exposed at the point of maximum ground-level concentrations off site, 

individuals exposed at the site boundary in the direction of the prevailing 

wind, individuals exposed at the site boundary nearest to the sources of emis

sion, and individuals exposed at the nearest residence in the direction of the 

prevailing wind. Assume annual average meteorological conditions. Identify 

locations of points of release (e.g., stack, roof vent) used in these 

calculations. 

Estimate deposition of radioactive materials on food crops and pasture 

grass. Estimate total annual body doses (in millirems) and significant annual 

doses received by other organs via such potential pathways. 

Provide an appendix describing the models used in these calculations. 

7.3.4 Exposures from External Radiation 

Provide an estimate of the maximum annual external dose (in millirems) 

that would be received by an individual from direct radiation at the nearest 

site boundary. 

7.3.5 Total Human Exposures 

Provide estimates of the maximum annual doses (in millirems) that could 

be received via all pathways described above by an individual at the site 

boundary and at the nearest residence. 

For commercial-scale operations, the applicant should also present a table 

that summarizes the estimated radiation dose to the regional population (within 

80 km) from the uranium recovery plant and well-field-related sources using 

values calculated in previous sections. The tabulation should include the total 

annual 100-year environmental dose commitment (person-rems) to the population 

from all pathways. 

7.3.6 Exposures to Flora and Fauna 

From considerations of the exposure pathways and the distribution of 

radioactivity released into the environs, the applicant should estimate the 

maximum radionuclide concentrations that may be present in important local 

flora and local and migratory fauna. Values of bioaccumulation factors used 

in preparing the estimates should be based on site-specific data if available; 

otherwise, values from the literature may be used. Tabulate and reference 

the values of bioaccumulation factors used in these calculations. 

7.4 Nonradiological Effects 

In this section, the specific concentrations of nonradioactive wastes in 

effluents at the points of discharge should be compared with natural ambient 

concentrations without the discharge and should also be compared with applicable 

standards. The projected effects of the effluents for both acute and chronic 

exposure of the biota (including any long-term buildup in soils and sediments

3.46-23
and in the biota) should be identified and discussed. Dilution and mixing of 

discharges into the receiving environs should be discussed in detail, and 

estimates of concentrations at various distances from the point of discharge 

should be provided. The effects on terrestrial and aquatic environments from 

chemical wastes that contaminate ground water should be included. 

Also discuss any potential effects of the proposed operation that do not 

clearly fall under any specific topic delineated above. These may include 

changes in land and water use at the project site; sanitary and other recovery 

plant waste systems; interaction of the facility with other existing or projected 

neighboring facilities; effects of ground-water withdrawal on ground-water 

resources in the vicinity of the well field(s) and recovery plant(s); effects 

of construction and operation of roads, transmission corridors, railroads, etc.; 

effects of changes in surface-water availability on biotic populations; and 

disposal of solid and liquid wastes other than those already discussed. 

7.5 Effects of Accidents 

Discuss the environmental effects of possible accidents that may occur, 

whether or not those accidents may produce an impact on the site or its 

environs. Analyses should be based on relevant experience and accident 

statistics from similar operating facilities. Accidents due to both human 

causes and natural phenomena should be addressed. See §§ 20.403 and 20.405 of 

10 CFR Part 20 regarding reporting requirements. 

7.5.1 Accidents Involving Radioactivity 

The applicant should provide realistic analyses of accidents involving 

radioactivity for a spectrum of accidents that might occur ranging in severity 

from trivial (essentially no release of radioactivity to the environment) to 

large releases. Each class within the spectrum should be characterized by an 

occurrence rate or probability and its potential consequences, if any. Examples 

of accidents resulting in large releases would be an undetected lixiviant 

excursion or the failure of a waste retention system resulting from an act of 

nature, faulty design, or misoperation. Examples of accidents resulting in 

small releases would be failure of a pumping circuit with ground surface lixi

viant release or failure of the ventilation system serving the chemical makeup 

area. An example of a trivial accident would be the leakage of a vessel con

taining barren lixiviant solution. Also describe measures to be taken to 

prevent accidents, and provide a discussion of proposed contingency plans to 

be implemented in the event that accidents occur. 

7.5.2 Transportation Accidents 

The potential environmental effects from transportation accidents involving 

radioactive and other hazardous materials should be evaluated. 

7.5.3 Other Accidents 

In addition to accidents that could release radioactivity to the environs, 

there might be accidents that, although radioactive materials would not be 

involved, would have consequences that could affect the environment. Such 

accidents as chemical explosions or fires, steam boiler failures, and leakage 

or rupture of vessels containing toxic materials could have significant environ3.46-24
mental impacts. These possible accidents and associated effects should be 

identified and evaluated. 

7.6 Economic and Social Effects of Construction and Operation 

The purpose of this section is to provide guidance on the information 

needed to assess the economic and social effects of the proposed operations. 

There are, of course, limitations on the extent to which the social and 

economic benefits and costs of a project can be evaluated. The wide variety 

of benefits and costs are not only difficult to assess, but many are not 

amenable to quantification or even to estimation in commensurable units. Some 

primary benefits such as the quantity of uranium recovered are, to a degree, 

measurable as are the capital costs and operating and maintenance costs of the 

proposed facility. On the other hand, numerous environmental costs and their 

economic and social consequences are not readily quantifiable. All potential 

significant social and economic benefits and costs should be addressed in the 

application and, to the extent possible, should be discussed in quantitative 

terms. 

Based on past reviews of research and development operations, the economic 

and social effects of construction and operation are usually minimal. However, 

the applicant should consider these to determine if there are any unique 

circumstances that could result in significant economic or social effects. 

7.6.1 Benefits 

The primary benefits of the proposed facility are those inherent in the 

value of the uranium to be recovered and the kilowatt-hours of electricity the 

uranium represents. 

There are other social and economic benefits that affect various political 

jurisdictions or interests to a greater or lesser degree. Some of these reflect 

transfer payments or other values that may partially, if not fully, compensate 

for certain services as well as external or environmental costs, and this fact 

should be reflected in the designation of the benefit. Some examples are: 

"o Tax revenues to be received by local, State, and Federal governments. 

"o Temporary and permanent new jobs created and payroll (value-added 

concept). 

"o Incremental increase in regional product. 

o Enhancement of recreational values. 

"o Environmental enhancement in support of the propagation or protection 

of wildlife and the improvement of wildlife habitats. 

"o Creation and improvement of local roads, waterways, or other 

transportation facilities. 

"o Increased knowledge of the environment as a consequence of ecological 

research and environmental monitoring activities associated with

3.46-25
plant operation and technological improvements from the applicant's 

research programs. 

Discuss significant benefits that may be realized from construction and 

operation of the proposed facility. Where the benefits can be expressed in 

monetary terms, they should be discounted to present worth. In each instance 

where a particular benefit is discussed, the applicant should indicate, to the 

extent practical, who is likely to be affected and for how long. In the case 

of esthetic impacts that are difficult to quantify, the applicant should provide 

pictorial drawings of structures or environmental modifications visible to the 

public. 

7.6.2 Costs 

The economic and social costs resulting from the proposed operations are 

complex and need to be appraised. 

The primary internal costs are (1) the capital costs of land acquisition 

and improvement, (2) the capital costs of facility construction, (3) other 

operating and maintenance costs, including license fees and taxes, (4) ground

water-quality restoration, surface reclamation, and plant decommissioning, and 

(5) research and development costs, including postoperational monitoring 

requirements. As in the case of benefits, the applicant should discount these 

costs to present worth. 

There are also external costs. Their effects on the interests of people 

need to be examined. The applicant should supply, as applicable, an evaluation, 

including supporting data and rationale, regarding such external social and 

economic costs. For each cost, the applicant should describe the probable 

number and location of the population group adversely affected, the estimated 

economic and social impact, and any special measures to be taken to alleviate 

the impact. 

Temporary external costs include housing shortages; inflationary rentals 

or prices; congestion of local streets and highways; noise and temporary esthetic 

disturbances; overloading of water supply and sewage treatment facilities; 

crowding of local schools, hospitals, or other public facilities; overtaxing 

of community services; and disruption of people's lives or of the local 

community caused by acquisition of land for the proposed site. 

Long-term external costs include impairment of recreational values (e.g., 

reduced availability of desired species of wildlife and sport animals, restric

tions on access to land or water areas preferred for recreational use); 

deterioration of esthetic and scenic values; restrictions on access to areas 

of scenic, historic, or cultural interest; degradation of areas having historic, 

cultural, natural, or archeological value; removal of land from present or 

contemplated alternative uses; reduction of regional products because of dis

placement of persons from the land proposed for the site; lost income from 

recreation or tourism that may be impaired by environmental disturbances; lost 

income attributable to environmental degradation; decrease in real estate values 

in areas adjacent to the proposed facility; and increased costs to local govern

ments for the services required by the permanently employed workers and their 

families. In discussing the costs, the applicant should indicate, to the extent 

practical, who is likely to be affected and for how long.

3.46-26
7.6.3 Resources Committed 

Any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources due to the 

operation should be discussed. This discussion should include both direct 

commitments such as depletion of uranium resources and irreversible 

environmental losses such as destruction of wildlife habitat. 

In this discussion, the applicant should consider lost resources from the 

viewpoints of both relative impacts and long-term net effects. As an example 

of relative impact assessment, the loss of a few animals of a given species 

could represent quite different degrees of significance, depending on the total 

population in the immediate region. Such a loss in the case of a small local 

population, however, could be less serious if the same species were abundant 

in neighboring regions. Similarly, the loss of a given area of highly desirable 

land should be evaluated in terms of the total amount of such land in the 

environs. These relative assessments should accordingly include statements 

expressed in percentage terms in which the amount of expected resource loss is 

related to the total resource in the immediate region and in which the total 

in the immediate region is related to that in surrounding regions. The latter 

should be specified in terms of areas and distances from the site.

3.46-27
8. ALTERNATIVES TO PROPOSED ACTION

In this chapter, the applicant's choice of the particular mining and 

recovery processes for the ore body must be supported through a comparative evaluation of available alternatives. To the extent possible, discuss realistic 

alternatives for the various processing stages. Discussion of alternatives 

should include a description of the ground-water-quality restoration program 

to be applied for each alternative. The NRC will consider all those alter

natives that may reduce or avoid significant adverse environmental, social, 

and economic effects expected to result from construction and operation of the 

proposed activity. The NRC will not preselect the alternatives that should be 

considered by the applicant; rather, the applicant should make this determina

tion for this specific case and should also make clear the bases and rationales 

for the choices in regard to number, availability, suitability, and factors 

limiting the range of alternatives that might avoid some or all of the environ

mental effects identified in Chapter 7, "Environmental Effects." For commercial

scale operations, the comparative evaluation of available alternatives should 

include results obtained from research and development operations. 

In the discussion of waste management alternatives, consideration should 

be given to the following siting, design, and operational performance objectives developed by the NRC staff in addition to the plans for final disposal discussed 

in Chapter 6, "Ground-Water-Quality Restoration, Surface Reclamation, and Plant 

Decommissioning." 

1. Locate the liquid impoundment area(s) at sites where disruption and 

dispersion by natural forces are eliminated or reduced to the maximum extent 

reasonably achievable. 

2. Design the impoundment area(s) so that seepage of toxic materials 

into the ground-water system would be eliminated or reduced to the maximum 

extent reasonably achievable.

3.46-28
9. BENEFIT-COST ANALYSIS

In this 

summarized. 

accompanying 

benefits and 

license.

chapter, the applicant's benefit-cost statement should be 

The presentation should be made in the form of a narrative with 

tables and charts. It should clearly discuss the important 

costs of the proposed operations to justify the issuance of the

The applicant will have to develop criteria for assessing and comparing 

benefits and costs where these are expressed in nonmonetary or qualitative 

terms. The rationales for the selection of process alternatives as well as 

subsystem alternatives should be presented. In any case, the applicant should 

describe potential cumulative effects and should discuss in detail the tradeoffs 

that were made in order to warrant licensing of the proposed operation. The 

rationale for omitting apparent benefits or costs from the applicant's analysis 

should be explained. Key all the terms used in the benefit-cost analysis to 

the relevant sections of the application.

3.46-29
10. ENVIRONMENTAL APPROVALS AND CONSULTATIONS

List all licenses, permits, and other approvals of construction and 

operations required by Federal, State, local, and regional authorities for the 

protection of the environment.* List those Federal and State approvals that 

have already been received, and indicate the status of pending approvals. For 

general background, submit similar information regarding approvals, licenses, 

and contacts with local authorities. Indicate whether or not an environmental 

assessment or a full environmental impact statement has ever previously been 

prepared for the proposed mining site area or surrounding area. If so, cite 

the document. 

Discuss the status of efforts to obtain a water-quality certification 

under Section 401 and discharge permits under Section 402 of the Federal Water 

Pollution Control Act, as amended, if required. If not already obtained, 

indicate when certification is expected. If certification is not required, 

explain. 

In view of the potential effects of a proposed commercial-scale operation 

on the economic development of the region in which it would be located, the 

applicant should also note the State, local, and regional planning authorities 

contacted or consulted. Office of Management and Budget Circular A-95** 

identifies the State, metropolitan, and regional clearinghouse that should be 

contacted, as appropriate. 

Describe meetings held with environmental and other citizen groups with 

references to specific instances of the applicant's compliance with citizen 

group recommendations.

This list should be updated bimonthly until final action is taken by the NRC.

Copies of this circular are available 

Washington, D.C. 20503.

from the Office of Management and Budget,

3.46-30
11. REFERENCES

The applicant should provide a bibliography of all sources used in 

preparing the application. References cited should be keyed to the specific 

sections and page numbers to which they apply. The applicant should also list 

the names, together with their qualifications (expertise, experience, profes

sional disciplines), of the persons who were primarily responsible for preparing 

the application.

3.46-31
APPENDIX A 

INFORMATION NEEDED BY NRC STAFF 

TO PERFORM RADIOLOGICAL IMPACT EVALUATIONS 

FOR COMMERCIAL-SCALE IN SITU URANIUM SOLUTION MINING FACILITIES 

1. Detailed site plot plan (overlaid on topographic map, with scale and true 

north arrow) clearly identifying all locations of: 

a. Site property boundaries 

b. Restricted area boundaries, if different from site property boundaries 

c. All radiological effluent release points (or areas) such as 

(1) Production wells 

(2) Yellowcake drying and packaging area emission stacks or vents 

(if applicable) 

(3) Evaporation, settling, or any other solid/liquid disposal pond 

areas 

(4) Any other release points of emission to the atmosphere, e.g., 

surge tanks, process building vents 

d. Lands owned, leased, or otherwise controlled (including mill site 

claims) by the applicant 

e. Lands usable and available for grazing 

f. Private residences or other structures used by the general public 

g. Vegetable or other crops, identified by type and growing season 

h. Milk animals (cows or goats) 

2. Locations of sources and receptors 

All locations should be given in terms of distances from a central release 

point. Coordinates relative to this release point should be given as 

follows: 

a. x kilometers east of the central release point 

b y kilometers north of the central release point 

c. z meters elevation from the base of the central release point 

(Note: Locations to the south and/or west should be denoted by a negative 

value. Any recognizable facility will suffice as a central frame of 

reference.)

3.46-32
Table 1 lists the types of sources and receptors 

reporting the locations requested.

and the format suggested for

Table 1

Sources East North Elevation 

(km) (km) (W)

1. Yellowcake dryer 

2. Center of ore bodies 

(at ground surface level) 

3. Solid/liquid disposal areas 

4. Production wells 

5. Other sources, if applicable

0 0

Receptors 

1. Nearest resident

2. Nearest resident in 

wind direction 

3. Ranch 

4. Farm 

5. Orchard 

6. Grazing location 1

prevailing

Grazing location 2 

Garden

5. Ranger bunk house 

6. Mine camp 

7. Town 1 

8. Town 2 

9. City 1

Other nearby residents, 

industrial (or recreational) 

facilities 

Restricted area boundaries 

(N, S, E, W, NE, SW, SE, NW)

3. Time-sequenced bar graph describing various stages of the facility's 

operational and postoperational life. This should include any altera

tions relating to the sources of emission such as source location, opera

tion, restoration, termination. Changes in exposed areas in evaporation 

ponds should also be indicated.

3.46-33

7. 

4.

10. 

11.
4. The following parameter values should be provided (if there are changes 

in Part 3 above, multiple corresponding values for each stage should be 

reflected here): 

Parameter Value 

Average ore quality, U3 08 , in ore body % 

Ore activity, U-238, U-234, Th-230, Ra-226, 

and Pb-210 pCi/g 

Operating days per year (plant factor) days 

Dimensions of the ore body or bodies 

" Acres per year to be mined acres 

"* Average thickness of body (bodies) meters 

Average production flow rate gpm 

Formation porosity % 

Process recovery % 

Leaching efficiency % 

Rock density g/cm3 

Restoration flow rate .gpm 

Production cell parameters 

Residence time days 

Type of cell pattern (5, 7 spot, or other) 

Radius m 

Average cell flow rate gpm 

Annual Rn-222 emission from production Ci/yr 

Annual Rn-222 emission from restoration Ci/yr 

(Note: If the Rn-222 is not measured, indicate the complete calculational 

methodology, providing all assumed parameter values and references.)

3.46-34
Yellowcake drying and packaging data (if 

applicable) 

Processing rates for drying and 

packaging if different 

Estimated annual yellowcake 

production rate 

Expected yellowcake purity, U30 8 by 

weight 

Any measured airborne effluent 

concentrations 

Stack heights and airflows 

Anticipated release rates for dryer stack, 

the packaging area ventilation exhaust, and 

any yellowcake storage area ventilation 

exhausts

MT/hr 

MT/yr 

Ci U-238/yr 

Ci Th-230/yr 

Ci Ra-226/yr 

Ci Pb-210/yr 

Drying m, m3 /s 

Packaging m, m3 /s 

Other m, m3 /s 

Dryer Stack kg/hr 

Packaging Stack kg/hr 

Other kg/hr

Drying and packaging operations are carried out hr/d and d/, 

Description of all ventilation air filtration 

equipment with design, expected, and minimum 

efficiencies (if applicable) (Attach sheet) 

Filtration equipment testing procedures and 

frequencies (Attach sheet) 

Solid/liquid disposal impoundments, 

e.g., evaporation ponds (Attach sheet) 

Complete physical, chemical, hydrological, and radiological description 

of disposal impoundment system. 

Total area of each impoundment area and surface areas expected to be 

under water, saturated, moist, and dry (indicate surface moisture contents 

used as basis of estimates). 

Anticipated Rn-222 release rates for surface areas under water, saturated, 

moist, and dry, Ci/yr per m2 .

3.46-35

yr
If not included above, please provide the following: 

Total dissolved solids in liquid waste g/l 

Activity of solids in impoundments _pCi U-238/g 

_pCi Th-230/g 

_pCi Ra-226/g 

.pCi Pb-210/g 

Activity in liquids in impoundments pCi U-238/1 

pCi Th-230/l 

pCi Ra-226/l 

pCi Pb-210/l 

Density of solids g/cm 3 

5. Meteorological Data 

Annual joint relative frequency distributions of wind direction and wind 

speed by atmospheric stability class (see Table 2 on page 3.46-37). 

a. Wind direction to be given in the 16 compass directions. 

b. Wind speed to be given in knots in the indicated classes (i.e., 

0-3, 4-6, 7-10, 11-16, 17-21, over 21) 

c. Atmospheric stability to be given in the following manner: 

A - Extremely unstable 

B - Moderately unstable 

C - Slightly unstable 

D - Neutral 

E - Moderately stable 

F - Very stable 

Further information is available in Regulatory Guide 1.23 (Safety Guide 23), 

"Onsite Meteorological Programs." For each atmospheric stability class, 

provide the data in the format indicated in Table 2.

3.46-36
Table 2

Stability Class 

Wind Direction 

N 

NNE 

NE 

ENE 

E 

ESE 

SE 

SSE 

S 

SSW 

SW 

WSW 

W 

WNW 

NW 

NNW

Wind Speed Class (knots) 

0-3 4-6 7-10 11-16 17-21 Over 21

d. Regional Data (Within 80 km) (Attach sheet) 

(1) Population distributions by direction (12) and radius (1, 2, 3, 

4, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 km) for a recent year 

(no earlier than 1970) and for the last year of expected opera

tions (see Table 3 on page 3.46-39 for reporting table format). 

(2) Available county food production data, in kg/yr, for vegetables 

(by type and totals), meat (all types), and milk; if available, 

include any future predictions by local governmental or industrial 

or institutional organizations. 

6. Miscellaneous 

If not included above, please provide: 

Fraction of year during which cattle graze locally % 

Fraction of cattle feed obtained by grazing _ % 

Fraction of stored cattle feed grown locally % 

3.46-37
Acreage required to graze 1 animal unit 

(450 kg) for one month (AUM) 

Length of growing season 

Fraction of locally produced vegetables 

consumed locally 

Fraction of locally produced meat 

consumed locally 

Fraction of locally produced milk 

consumed locally

ha 

mo/yr

3.46-38
(

Table 3

Population Distribution 

N NNE NE ENE E ESE SE SSE S SSW SW WSW W WNW NW NNW 

Kilometers 0.0 22.5 45.0 67.5 90.0 112.5 135.0 157.5 180.0 202.5 225.0 247.5 270.0 292.5 315.0 337.5 

1.0- 2.0 

2.0- 3.0 

3.0- 4.0 

4.0- 5.0 

5.0-10.0 

10.0-20.0 

20.0-30.0 

30.0-40.0 

40.0-50.0 

50.0-60.0 

60.0-70.0 

70.0-80.0
VALUE/IMPACT STATEMENT

An NRC source and byproduct material license is required in order to 

process uranium solutions extracted from in situ uranium solution mining opera

tions. General guidance for filing an application is provided in § 40.31 of 

10 CFR Part 40, "Domestic Licensing of Source Material." Regulatory Guide 3.46 

(Task FP 818-4) provides specific guidance on the format and content of appli

cations, including environmental reports, for licenses to authorize in situ 

uranium solution mining operations. The guide conforms to NRC regulations and 

reflects experience gained over the past several years in actual licensing cases. 

Basic detailed guidance is essential to applicants for the efficient 

preparation of applications, including environmental reports, for in situ 

uranium solution mining facility licenses and for their review by the NRC staff. 

Such detailed guidance is not presently delineated in NRC regulations or in 

regulatory guides. Based on experience gained in the issuance of such licenses, 

the NRC staff has identified information that should be contained in applica

tions, including environmental reports, to reflect present needs and practices. 

Such information provided in a regulatory guide will be helpful to both appli

cants and the NRC staff in reducing the cost and time involved in preparing and processing license applications. It should result in a significant 

reduction in the number of questions and requests for clarification submitted 

by the NRC staff to applicants, should improve the consistency in application 

reviews because of more uniform application submittals, should reduce the 

amount of NRC staff review effort in license processing, and should expedite 

licensing actions.

3.46-40
UNITED STATES 

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20655

FIRST CLASS MAIL 

POSTAGE & FEES PAID 

USINRC 

WASH O C 

PE RMIT No .i-L

OFFICIAL BUSINESS 

PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE. $300
ir

I ,

4

I

bm"

bm"