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
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CFR Title: 

Content:
operational practices may mitigate the impacts of station construction and operation on biota and ecological systems. Land Use and Aesthetics Site suitability may be limited by the existence of nearby established public resource areas; prospective designated resource areas; land use plans adopted by Federal, State, regional, or local agencies; or aesthetic considerations. Socioeconomics Social and economic issues are important determinants of siting policy. The siting, construction, and operation of a commercial nuclear power station might have significant impacts on the socioeconomic structure of nearby communities (e.g., population and income distributions, access to private and public services). Environmental Justice Siting decisions should reflect fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, income, or educational level, to ensure equitable consideration. Decisions should include an analysis to determine whether any significant impacts would fall disproportionately on minority or low-income communities. This could involve the assembly and analysis of considerable quantitative data. Noise Noise levels at nuclear stations during both construction and operation could have undesirable impacts. For example, cooling towers, turbines, and transformers contribute to noise during station operation, and such noise could have varying levels of environmental impact, depending on the site. Estimating the impact level for a particular site is important when comparing different sites. Limited Work Authorization The limited work authorization (LWA) process allows applicants to request approval to perform certain construction activities before the issuance of a construction permit or COL. The regulations in 10 CFR 50.10, “License required; limited work authorization,” govern the issuance of LWAs and specify the information to be included in an LWA application. These regulations clarify that activities defined as