Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: f0baf50b-5bb7-4783-b2f9-9586e09c97e1
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Preparation of Environmental Reports for Nuclear Power Stations + HISTORY - HISTORY 02/2017 – DG-4026 , Proposed Revision 3 09/2014 – Periodic Review of Revision 2 – Revise (Rev. 3)
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 4
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1611/ML16116A068.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-4.2
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
production of electricity, although not necessarily baseload electricity, whether for a defined service area or for a specific end-user. In addition, as noted in Chapter 1 of this RG, the purpose and need statement may address additional needs other than the production of electricity. For an SMR, an additional need could be to provide the ability to install modules over longer time frames to increase capacity incrementally to follow load growth. C.7.2 Chapter 2: Affected Environment In general, the applicant should follow the guidance in Chapter 2 of this RG. However, because of features specific to a particular SMR design, more or less description of the affected environment may be warranted. For example: • The hydrology section directs the applicant to characterize groundwater. The applicant should consider environmental parameters that could be affected by the installation of project structures to a greater depth below grade than current LLWR designs. The applicant should confirm that groundwater location and flow is fully characterized at all depths of the excavation. DG-4026, Appendix C, Page C-4 • The ecology section directs the applicant to analyze one year of aquatic data. If the facility uses dry cooling rather than surface water or groundwater, there may be no need for one year of aquatic data because there may be no impacts to aquatic resources. However, in such case the applicant should provide sufficient justification for excluding collection and analysis of aquatic data from the ER. C.7.3 Chapter 3: Site Layout and Plant Description In general, the applicant should follow the guidance in Chapter 3 of this RG. However, the applicant should also describe the unique features of an SMR facility, including a plot plan that shows the location of proposed modules and the locations of environmental interfaces. The site layout and plant description should clearly describe the scope of the project as proposed in the license application, including the total