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:
related to nuclear power stations by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The RG focuses on compliance with federal laws and actions, notably the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) (Ref. 1) among others, with regard to consideration of the environment for major federal actions. For purposes of this guide, the term “aquatic” encompasses freshwater, estuarine, and marine environments. It also addresses wetlands containing submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), but does not address wetlands also containing emergent vegetation. Instead, RG 4.11, “Terrestrial Environmental Studies for Nuclear Power Stations” (Ref. 2), addresses such wetland features, along with the terrestrial environment. Although the NRC is issuing separate regulatory guides addressing terrestrial and aquatic environmental studies, it recognizes that aquatic and terrestrial ecological issues often overlap and are often interrelated. Applicable Statutes, Rules, and Regulations • NEPA sets forth the procedural requirements for all federal government agencies to consider alternatives and to prepare environmental assessments and environmental impact statements for major federal actions. • Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA) (Ref. 3), sets forth consultation requirements for all federal government agencies to ensure the actions they take do not jeopardize the continued existence of an threatened or endangered species. DG-4023, Page 2 • Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, as amended (MSFCMA) (Ref. 4), sets forth consultation requirements for all Federal government agencies that take an action that may adversely affect essential fish habitat (EFH). • Clean Water Act of 1977 (Ref. 5), Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act of 1899 (Ref. 6), and Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (Ref. 7), among other statutes, set forth additional requirements applicable to applicants and licensees. • Title 40, Parts 1500-1508,