Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: 01fb3132-b05a-41a0-ab81-466a6fb6f4d3
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Preparation of Environmental Reports for Nuclear Power Plant License Renewal Applications (Rev. 1)
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 4
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML0916/ML091620409.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-4.2S1
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
e considered generic, or Category 1, issues. The ER should discuss any new and significant information; otherwise, impacts to this resource do not need further assessment. 11 Conditions on air quality models used for conformity analysis are provided in 40 CFR 51.859(c). DG-4015, Page 26 4.5 Hydrology The GEIS reviews the following Category 2 issues, which require a plant-specific analysis: Surface Water Use Conflicts (Plants with Cooling Ponds or Cooling Towers Using Makeup Water from a River with Low Flow) This section applies to nuclear power plants with cooling ponds or cooling towers using makeup water from a river with low flow (less than 3.15×1012 cubic feet per year (ft3/yr) (9×1010 cubic meters per year (m3/yr)). Table B-1 states, “Impacts could be of small or moderate significance, depending on makeup water requirements, water availability, and competing water demands.” Specifically, 10 CFR 51.53(c)(3)(ii)(A) requires, in part, the following: If the applicant’s plant utilizes cooling towers or cooling ponds and withdraws make-up water from a river whose annual flow rate is less than 3.15×1012 ft3/year (9×1010 m3/year), an assessment of the impact of the proposed action on water availability and competing water demands,…must be provided. Section 4.5.1.1 of the GEIS discusses surface water use conflicts. No additional surface water conflict information is needed for plants using once-through cooling systems or not specifically using cooling towers or cooling ponds, or if the plant takes its makeup water for the cooling towers or cooling ponds from a river with an annual flow greater than 3.15×1012 ft3/yr (9×1010 m3/yr). The ER should explain the method used to determine the annual river flow, and that no further information is needed with reference to these issues. If the plant does not meet the above conditions, the applicant should provide the information and analysis described below. Information and Analysis Content If the plant obtains its