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:
over a period of 1 month from the release of radionuclides following postulated accidents (see appendix A for more details). If the population density of the proposed site exceeds, but is not well in excess of, the preferred value, the analysis of alternative sites should pay particular attention to alternative sites with lower population density. Other factors, such as safety, environmental, or economic characteristics, may render the site with higher population density acceptable. For example, the site with higher population density may have superior seismic characteristics, better rail or highway access, or shorter transmission line requirements, or construction there may have less environmental impact on undeveloped areas, wetlands, or endangered species. Transient population should be included for those sites where many people (other than those just passing through the area) work, reside part-time, or engage in recreational activities but are not permanent residents. Calculations should weight members of the transient population according to the fraction of time they spend in the area. As noted above, population data should be estimated for the time of initial plant approval. Population projections through the lifetime of the facility should be considered, with further population projections made by decade for a 40-year period beyond the start of plant operation. For an ESP, an applicant should assume that plant approval occurs at the end of the term of the permit. Evaluations of the proposed site and any alternative sites considered should include projected changes in population within about 5 years after initial plant approval. Population growth near the site after initial plant approval is normal and expected and should periodically be factored into the emergency plan for the site, but population increases after initial plant approval should not be a factor in license renewal or, by themselves, be used to impose other license conditions or restrictions on