Document: NUREG-1555
Document ID: ccbea725-7fae-4453-bfec-b565c95a8e44
Document Type: esrp
Title: IMPACTS TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
Source: NUREG-1555
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/nuregs/staff/sr1555/initial/
Revision Date: 2007-10
Chapter: 5
Section ID: 5.3.4
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
uginosa and thermophilic fungi. They also include the bacteria Legionella sp., which causes Legionnaires’ disease, and free-living amoebae of the genera Naegleria and Acanthamoeba. Exposure to these microorganisms, or in some cases the endotoxins or exotoxins produced by the organisms, can cause illness or death. 40 CFR 141.70 regulates maximum contaminant levels of various microorganisms, including Legionella in public drinking water systems. However, there are no regulations that could be tied to microorganisms that are associated with cooling towers or thermal discharges. No Occupational NUREG-1555 5.3.4-4 October 1999 Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or other legal standards for exposure to microorganisms exist at the present time. Noise—There are no Federal regulations for levels of noise for public exposures. When noise levels are below the levels that result in hearing loss, impacts have been judged primarily in terms of adverse public reactions to noise. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (24 CFR 51.101(a)(8)) uses day-night average sound levels recommended by EPA as guidelines or goals for outdoors in residential areas. Noise levels are acceptable if the day-night average sound level outside a residence is less than 65 decibels. III. REVIEW PROCEDURES This procedure applies to the review of applications for construction permits, operating licenses, and combined licenses. The review procedures for impacts from microorganisms are discussed separately from the procedures for impacts from noise. Thermophilic Microorganisms Consideration of the impact of thermophilic microorganisms on the public health is important, especially for those plants using cooling ponds, lakes, canals, or small rivers because the operation of these plants may significantly increase the presence and numbers of thermophilic organisms. Additional information regarding these organisms can be found in the Appendix to this ESRP. The following review procedures should