Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: e5306f4f-dc8c-4f60-a71c-af7ad4080384
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Aquatic Environmental Studies for Nuclear Power Stations + HISTORY - HISTORY 12/2014 – DG-4023 -Proposed New Guide
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 4
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1318/ML13186A085.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-4.24
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
lternative sites. The description for aquatic habitat should note whether the habitat is the site of ecological investigations or management actions (and what agency or organization is conducting such activities), including discussion of other water uses and conflicts per cross reference to hydrology reviews. If these exist, impacts to the habitat could simultaneously affect the studies or programs. Additionally, data and results of such studies or programs may provide valuable information for the nuclear power project’s aquatic review. For example, NMFS, FWS, and State agencies prepare habitat conservation plans for select habitats. Such plans and agency representatives should be primary resources for habitat descriptions and impact analyses, as applicable. Also, applicants should provide and consider FERC license conditions (i.e., seasonal flow requirements) if a hydropower facility is in the vicinity of the proposed or alternative sites. Flora and Fauna Surveys Tabular lists of observed aquatic species greatly enhance habitat descriptions. Analysts should identify the majority of aquatic species in the area of potential impacts. Generally, analysts should focus on the higher trophic levels because they are integrators of the lower trophic levels. Field surveys are best conducted when flora and fauna are most readily detected and identified. For example, diadromous fish species may occur in a river during certain times of year when they are migrating to or from the ocean. Various life stages of many aquatic species are present only seasonally. Sampling should be conducted in DG-4023, Page 14 representative years during all seasons and at a frequency necessary to determine the distribution and abundance of important species. Because sampling frequency should be twice the frequency of the targeted event, sampling should be conducted at least twice per season for any aquatic system (Ref. 25). Additionally, analysts should follow appropriate sampling protocols as