Document: NUREG-0800
Document ID: a10a3c35-4db9-4a81-a9a5-1b4fface972a
Document Type: srp
Title: CHANNEL DIVERSIONS
Source: NUREG-0800
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML0520/ML052070255.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 2
Section ID: 2.4.9
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
tructures associated with the ultimate heat sink will continue to function, thereby keeping the plant in a safe condition. Meeting the requirements of this criterion provides a level of assurance that the plant is not susceptible to flooding due to channel diversion or realignment. Further, it assures the staff and the public that, given the most severe natural phenomena capable of causing channel diversions, an adequate and dependable source of cooling water can be maintained.6 2. Compliance with GDC 44 requires that a system be provided to transfer heat from structures, systems, and components important to safety. The system is to function under normal and accident conditions, assuming a single failure. GDC 44 applies to SRP Section 2.4.9 because the ultimate heat sink for the plant can consist of complex water sources, including necessary retaining structures (e.g., ponds or rivers with dams) and the associated canals and conduits connecting these sources with the nuclear power plant. The earthwork, consisting of dams and canals, must be constructed in a manner that ensures the integrity of the cooling water system and its safety function. In addition, it must be shown that channel diversion caused by severe natural phenomena cannot cause loss of the heat sink or result in flooding in excess of the design basis. Meeting these requirements provide a level of assurance that, given the most severe natural phenomena capable of causing channel diversions or realignment, an adequate and dependable source of cooling water can be maintained.7 3. Section 10(c) of 10 CFR Part 100 requires that physical characteristics of the site, including seismology, meteorology, geology, and hydrology, be taken into account to determine the acceptability of a site for a nuclear power reactor. Channel diversion or realignment, posing the potential for flooding or adversely affecting the supply of cooling water for the plant, is one of the many natural phenomena specified in 10 CFR