Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: 01fb3132-b05a-41a0-ab81-466a6fb6f4d3
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Preparation of Environmental Reports for Nuclear Power Plant License Renewal Applications (Rev. 1)
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 4
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML0916/ML091620409.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-4.2S1
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
he assessment of environmental issues should consider each type of effect, which should be discussed in proportion to the significance of the impact attributed to license renewal. (See Impact Findings above.) The CEQ regulations at 40 CFR Part 1508, “Terminology and Index,” define the three types of effects. In particular, 40 CFR 1508.7, “Cumulative Impact,” provides the following definition: Cumulative impact is the impact on the environment which results from the incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency (Federal or non-Federal) or person undertakes such other actions. Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time. In addition 40 CFR 1508.8 defines direct and indirect effects as follows: “Effects” include: (a) Direct effects, which are caused by the action and occur at the same time and place. (b) Indirect effects, which are caused by the action and are later in time or further removed in distance, but are still reasonably foreseeable. The NRC uses these definitions in accordance with 10 CFR 51.14(b). DG-4015, Page 9 B. STANDARD FORM AND CONTENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS Chapter 1 Purpose of and Need for Action This chapter of the ER should briefly describe the purpose of and need for the proposed action. The applicant’s ER should include the following statement: The purpose and need for the proposed action (i.e., renewal of a commercial nuclear power plant operating license) is to provide the option to continue plant operations beyond the current operating license term. The purpose and need for the proposed action have no role in the energy planning decisions of State regulators and utility officials as to whether a particular nuclear power plant should continue to operate. From the perspective of the licensee and the State regulatory authority, the purpose of renewing an