An applicant must provide NRC an evaluation that addresses the technical aspects of plant aging and describes the ways those effects will be managed. It must also prepare an evaluation of the potential impact on the environment if the plant operates for another 20 years. The NRC reviews the application and verifies the safety evaluations through inspections. Public participation is an important part of the license renewal process. There are several opportunities for members of the public to question how aging will be managed during the period of extended operation.
Information provided by the licensee is made available to the public.
A number of public meetings are held by the NRC, and NRC evaluations, findings and recommendations are published when completed. Public meetings are announced in press releases, the Federal Register, and posted on NRC's web site. Concerns may be litigated in a formal adjudicatory hearing if any party that would be adversely affected requests a hearing. In addition, members of the public may petition the Commission for consideration of issues other than the management of the effects of aging during the period of extended operation of the plant. A nuclear power plant licensee may apply to the NRC to renew its license as early as 20 years or as late as five years before expiration of its current license.