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:
charge Elimination System permit to discharge effluents to navigable streams pursuant to section 402 of the CWA may be required for a commercial nuclear power station to operate in compliance with the CWA, but it is not a prerequisite for an NRC construction permit, operating license, ESP, or COL. Where station construction or operation could degrade water quality to the detriment of other users, more detailed analyses and evaluation of water quality may be necessary. The NRC staff will use the criteria in 10 CFR Part 20 and 10 CFR Part 50 to determine permissible concentrations of radioactive materials discharged to surface water or to ground water. Appendix I to 10 CFR Part 50 provides guidance on the requirements for design objectives and technical specifications for limiting conditions for operation of light-water-cooled nuclear power stations. 2.2.3 Water Availability The impact of station operation on the availability of water resources should be evaluated. Limitations imposed by existing laws or allocation policies govern the use and consumption of cooling water at potential sites for normal operation. 2.2.3.2 Relevant Statutes and Regulations • Clean Water Act, section 316(b), as implemented by the EPA through: o 40 CFR Part 9, “OMB Approvals Under the Paperwork Reduction Act;” o 40 CFR Part 122, “EPA Administered Permit Programs: The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System;” DG-4034, Page 33 o 40 CFR Part 123, “State Program Requirements;” o 40 CFR Part 124, “Procedures for Decisionmaking;” o 40 CFR Part 125, “Criteria and Standards for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.” 2.2.3.3 Related Guidance • NUREG-1555, “Standard Review Plans for Environmental Reviews for Nuclear Power Plants: Environmental Standard Review Plan” 2.2.3.4 Considerations, Regulatory Experience, and Staff Position Adequate capacity is required to limit the impacts of withdrawing cooling water from the cooling water source. The