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:
ling towers, lakes, canals, or spray ponds but can generally be acceptably mitigated by station design and operational practices. Cooling towers produce cloudlike plumes that vary in size and altitude depending on the atmospheric conditions. The plumes often extend a few miles in length before dissipating; the plumes themselves or their shadows could have aesthetic impacts and in rare occasions can result in mist or light snow reaching the ground downwind of the cooling towers. Visible plumes emitted from cooling towers in the vicinity of airports could pose a hazard to aviation. Exclusion Area and Low Population Zone A reactor licensee is required by 10 CFR 100.21(a) to designate an exclusion area and to have authority to determine all activities within that area, including removal of personnel and property. In selecting a site for a commercial nuclear power station, it is necessary to provide for an exclusion area in which the applicant has such authority. A reactor licensee is also required by 10 CFR 100.21(a) to designate an area immediately surrounding the exclusion area as an LPZ. In 10 CFR 100.3, “Definitions,” the NRC states that transportation corridors such as highways, railroads, and waterways are permitted to traverse the exclusion area provided that (1) these are not so close to the facility as to interfere with normal operation of the facility, and (2) in case of emergency, appropriate and effective arrangements are made to control traffic on the highway, railroad, or waterway to protect public health and safety. Population Considerations Locating reactors away from densely populated centers is part of the NRC’s defense in depth philosophy and facilitates emergency planning and preparedness. It also reduces potential doses and property damage in the event of a severe accident. As stated in 10 CFR 100.21(h), reactors should be located away from very densely populated centers; areas of low population density are generally preferred. In addition, 10