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:
“Numerical Guides for Design Objectives and Limiting Conditions for Operation to Meet the Criterion "As Low as is Reasonably Achievable" for Radioactive Material in Light-Water-Cooled Nuclear Power Reactor Effluents;” and • 10 CFR Part 51, “Environmental Protection Regulations for Domestic Licensing and Related Regulatory Functions.” DG-4034, Page 32 2.2.2.3 Related Guidance • NUREG-1555, “Standard Review Plans for Environmental Reviews for Nuclear Power Plants: Environmental Standard Review Plan” 2.2.2.4 Considerations, Regulatory Experience, and Staff Position The potential impacts of commercial nuclear power stations on water quality are likely to be acceptable if they satisfy effluent limitations, water quality criteria for receiving waters, and other requirements under the CWA. The applicant should also identify any other relevant regulations current at the time when it is considering sites. Thermal and chemical effluents discharged to navigable streams are governed by the CWA and are regulated under 40 CFR Part 122, 40 CFR Part 423, and State water quality standards. The State typically administers section 316(a) of the CWA, which specifies maximum impacts allowed on water quality based on flow volume and thermal loading of plant discharge. Section 401(a)(1) of the CWA requires, in part, that any applicant for an NRC-issued construction permit, ESP, or COL for a commercial nuclear power station provide to the NRC certification from the State that any discharge will comply with applicable effluent limitations and other water pollution control requirements. Without such certification, the NRC cannot issue a construction permit, ESP, or COL, unless the State waives the requirement or fails to act within a reasonable period. A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit to discharge effluents to navigable streams pursuant to section 402 of the CWA may be required for a commercial nuclear power station to operate in compliance with the