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:
dard Review Plan” 2.2.3.4 Considerations, Regulatory Experience, and Staff Position Adequate capacity is required to limit the impacts of withdrawing cooling water from the cooling water source. The consumptive use of water for cooling may be restricted by statute, may be inconsistent with water use planning, or may have an unacceptable impact on the water resource. Water use and consumption must comply with Federal, State, and local requirements and must be compatible with water use plans of cognizant water resource planning agencies. For a site to be suitable, there should be reasonable assurance that the applicant can obtain the appropriate State, local, or regional agency permits for consumptive use of water in the quantities needed to operate a power plant with the approximate capacity and type of cooling envisioned, in accordance with the agency’s programs and policies, which may incorporate and administer applicable Federal policies. Where required by law, an application for a construction permit, operating license, ESP, or COL should include demonstration of a request for certification of the rights to withdraw or consume water and an indication that the request is consistent with appropriate State, local, and regional programs and policies. In the absence of a water use plan, the effect on other water users should be evaluated, considering flow or volume reduction and the resultant ability of all users to obtain adequate supply and to meet applicable water quality standards (see section C.2.2.2 of this RG). Consumptive use should be restricted so that the supply of other users is not impaired and applicable surface water quality standards can be met, assuming normal station operational discharges and extreme low-flow conditions as defined by generally accepted engineering practices. For multipurpose impounded lakes and reservoirs, consumptive use should be restricted so that the magnitude and frequency of drawdown will not cause unacceptable damage to