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:
(G) requires the following: If the applicant’s plant uses a cooling pond, lake, or canal or discharges into a river having an annual average flow rate of less than 3.15×1012 ft3/yr (9×1010 m3/yr), an assessment of the impact of the proposed action on public health from thermophilic organisms in the affected water must be provided. Nuclear plants that use cooling ponds, lakes, or canals, or discharges into rivers with low flows (i.e., plants that have an annual average flow rate of less than 3.15×1012 ft3/yr (9×1010 m3/yr)) have a potential to enhance the concentration of thermophilic microorganisms. These include the enteric pathogens Salmonella sp. and Shigella sp., as well as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, thermophilic fungi, Legionella sp. in unusually high concentrations, and the free-living amoebae of the genera Naegleria and Acanthomoeba. Of greatest concern is Naegleria (N.) sp., four species of which have been isolated. To date, only one species, N. fowleri, has been determined to be pathogenic in humans. Information and Analysis Content If the applicant can show that the nuclear plant does not use cooling ponds, lakes, or canals, or discharges into rivers with low flows, the ER should note this fact. No further information or analysis need be provided. If the plant does use cooling ponds, lakes, canals, or rivers to receive its thermal discharge, the ER should include the following: • If the State advises that tests should be conducted for concentration of N. fowleri in the receiving waters, perform the tests when the facility has been operating at a power level typical of the level anticipated during the license renewal period for at least 1 month to ensure a steady-state population during the sampling. Collect samples at locations of potential public use. • Assess the data collected to determine the magnitude of potential impacts of N. fowleri on public health during the license renewal term. • Describe proposed mitigation measures to minimize the