Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: 239cc7c1-f2cb-46cc-945d-8009db28aa6c
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: General Site Suitability Criteria for Nuclear Power Stations + HISTORY - HISTORY 12/2023 – DG-4034 , Proposed Revision 4 12/2011 – DG-4021 , Proposed Revision 3 02/1995 – DG-4004, Second Proposed Revision 2 11/1992 – DG-4003, Proposed Revision 2 (Rev. 4)
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 4
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML2312/ML23123A090.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-10
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-4.7
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CFR Title: 

Content:
event of a severe accident. As stated in 10 CFR 100.21(h), reactors should be located away from very densely populated centers; areas of low population density are generally preferred. In addition, 10 CFR 100.21(h) states that, in determining the acceptability of a particular site located away from a very densely populated center but not in an area of low density, safety, environmental, economic, or other factors that may result in the site being found acceptable must be considered. The numerical values in this guide are generally consistent with past NRC practice and reflect consideration of severe accidents for large LWRs, as well as the demographic and geographic conditions of the United States. DG-4034, Page 7 Emergency Planning To ensure that members of the public can be protected in an emergency, 10 CFR Part 100 requires that the applicant identify the physical characteristics of the site that could significantly impede the development of emergency plans. Security In 10 CFR Part 100, the NRC also requires that potential sites be examined to determine whether any site characteristics would prevent the development and implementation of adequate security plans and measures. This should include examination of any existing or potential natural or manmade hazards at or near the site. Hydrology Flooding In 10 CFR Part 100, the NRC requires that potential sites be examined for suitability with respect to flooding hazards. The number and types of flood-causing phenomena, flooding mechanisms, and flooding hazards to consider will depend on the site. The potential for site-scale flooding due to intense local precipitation affects all sites. Sites near streams or rivers may be affected by riverine flooding due to rainfall or snowmelt, dam failure, river blockage, or channel diversion. Storm surges, seiches, or tsunamis may affect sites near lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, or oceans. Where applicable, the potential for flooding events due to the combined effects of multiple