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:
habitat quality. As noted previously, most aquatic habitats are best described by several characteristics that include, but are not limited to, salinity, tidal range, substrate, presence of SAV, flow rate, temperature, dissolved oxygen, energy regime, bathymetry, rugosity, stream order, geomorphology, floodplain size, quality of riparian zone, and biotic community types. Such characteristics should be described in detail and include spatiotemporal extents, patterns, gradients, and shifts. Descriptive detail generally should be greater in areas of likely aquatic impact than for the surrounding areas. Other descriptive information may be useful when describing aquatic habitats, including the following: • Presence of invasive species. Executive Order 13112, “Invasive Species,” dated February 3, 1999 (Ref. 23), defines invasive species as “an alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.” The National Invasive Species Information Center maintains a list of known invasive aquatic plant and animal DG-4023, Page 12 species, such as water hyacinth (Eichhornia spp.) and Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea). In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and in the spirit of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance and Prevention Control Act of 1990, as amended (Ref. 24), the analyst should describe the effects of building and operation on populations of invasive species. (Note: Keep in mind that any biocides used to control or prevent invasive species may harm indigenous species and their habitats. Such effects should be described.) Table 2. Example Approach to Habitat Mapping for a New Reactor Project AREA OF COVERAGE EXAMPLE LEVEL OF DETAIL FOR AQUATIC HABITAT MAPPING Areas subject to in-water activities, such as proposed intake structures, discharge outfalls, barge slips, dredging activities, pipelines, transmission towers Map spatial extent of in-water building impacts in proximity to