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:
f those resources potentially at risk. If potentially adverse effects on a species, habitat, or other resource are identified, assess the resource with respect to local, regional, and national social, economic, and ecological value. 3. Show the Relationships Between Plant Operation and the Resource Attributes To be considered an indicator of impact, a causal link must exist between attributes of a resource and plant operation. Lack of change in a resource attribute may not indicate lack of an adverse effect if plant operations have no link to resource levels. If any adverse impacts are identified, describe mitigation measures that have been used to reduce the adverse impacts during the initial license period or that are expected to be used during the license renewal period and their expected effects. Briefly explain the rationale for not implementing any measures that were considered but rejected. The GEIS reviews the following Category 2 issues, which require a plant-specific analysis: Water Use Conflicts on Terrestrial Resources This section applies to plants with cooling ponds or cooling towers using makeup water from a river with low flow (less than 3.15×1012 ft3/yr (9×1010 m3/yr). Table B-1 notes that the impacts of surface water use on terrestrial resources are anticipated to be small or moderate. The table also notes that “impacts on terrestrial resources in riparian communities affected by water use conflicts could be of moderate significance in some situations.” Specifically, 10 CFR 51.53(c)(3)(ii)(A) requires, in part, the following: If the applicant’s plant utilizes cooling towers or cooling ponds and withdraws makeup water from a river whose annual flow rate is less than 3.15×1012 ft3/year (9×1010 m3/year), an assessment of the impact of the proposed action on the flow of the river, and related impacts on instream (aquatic) and riparian (terrestrial) ecological communities must be provided. Section 4.6.1.1 of the GEIS discusses surface water