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
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
ng NEPA. The following are examples of potential environmental effects of station construction and operation that should be assessed: • physical and chemical environmental alterations in habitats of important species, including plant-induced rapid changes in environmental conditions; • changes in normal current direction or velocity of the cooling water source and receiving water; • scouring and siltation due to construction and cooling water intake and discharge; • alterations due to dredging and spoil disposal; and • interference with shoreline processes. Where water is in short supply, closed-cycle cooling (the recirculation of the hot cooling water through cooling towers, artificial ponds, or impoundments) has been practiced. 2.2.4 Radionuclide Retention and Transport The retardation, dispersion, and dilution capabilities and potential contamination pathways of the ground water environment under operating and accident conditions, with respect to present and future users, are important factors in site selection. 2.2.4.2 Relevant Statutes and Regulations • Clean Water Act, • applicable State water quality standards approved by the EPA, • 10 CFR Part 51, “Environmental Protection Regulations for Domestic Licensing and Related Regulatory Functions;” and • 10 CFR 100.20, “Factors to be considered when evaluating sites.” o 10 CFR 100.20(c)(3). DG-4034, Page 35 2.2.4.3 Related Guidance • NUREG-1555, “Standard Review Plans for Environmental Reviews for Nuclear Power Plants: Environmental Standard Review Plan;” • ASTM International C1733, “Standard Test Method for Distribution Coefficients of Inorganic Species by the Batch Method” (Ref. 66); and • RG 4.21, “Minimization of Contamination and Radioactive Waste Generation: Life-Cycle Planning” (Ref. 67). 2.2.4.4 Considerations, Regulatory Experience, and Staff Position As specified in 10 CFR 100.20(c), the site’s physical characteristics (including seismology, meteorology,