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:
ssess potential impacts on important species or ecological systems. Such areas include those used for breeding (e.g., nesting and spawning), wintering, and feeding, as well as areas where there may be seasonally high concentrations of individuals of important species. 2.3.2.2 Relevant Statutes and Regulations • Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, as amended (Ref. 69); • Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (Ref. 70); • Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1972, as amended (Ref. 71); • Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (Ref. 72); • Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, as amended (Ref. 73); and • Clean Water Act section 316(b), as implemented in 40 CFR Parts 9, 122, 123, 124, and 125. 2.3.2.3 Related Guidance • NUREG-1555, “Standard Review Plans for Environmental Reviews for Nuclear Power Plants: Environmental Standard Review Plan;” • RG 4.2, “Preparation of Environmental Reports for Nuclear Power Stations;” and • RG 4.11, “Terrestrial Environmental Studies for Nuclear Power Stations.” 2.3.2.4 Considerations, Regulatory Experience, and Staff Position The construction and operation of commercial nuclear power stations (including new transmission lines and access corridors constructed in conjunction with the station) can destroy or alter habitats of important species, affecting the abundance of a species or the species composition of a community. Applicants should determine whether any important species inhabit or use the proposed site or its environs. If so, the relative abundance and distribution of their populations should be considered. Potential adverse impacts on important species should be identified and assessed. The relative abundance of individuals of an important species inhabiting a potential site should be compared to the total local DG-4034, Page 38 population, as estimated in the available literature. Any predicted impacts on the species should be evaluated relative to effects on the local