Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: 2654196f-c25a-40d1-8edc-e828353b6377
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Standard Format and Content of Environmental Reports for Near-Surface Disposal of Radioactive Waste + HISTORY - HISTORY 04/1982 – Draft WM 013-4
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 4
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1218/ML12187A698.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-4.18
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
s: viii a. The environmental impact of the proposed action, b. Any adverse environmental effects that cannot be avoided if the proposal were implemented, c. Alternatives to the proposed action, d. The relationship between local short-term uses of man's environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity, and e. Any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources that would be involved in the proposed action if it were implemented. The discussion of alternatives to the proposed action in the environmental report must be sufficiently complete to aid the Commission in developing and exploring, in accordance with Section 102(2)(E) of NEPA, "...appropriate alternatives... in any proposal which involves unresolved conflicts concerning alternative uses of available resources." The environmental report must include a benefit-cost analysis that considers and balances the environmental effects of the facility and the alternatives available for reducing or avoiding adverse environmental effects, as well as the environmental, economic, technical, and other benefits of the facility. The benefit-cost analysis must, to the fullest extent practicable, quantify the various factors considered. To the extent that such factors cannot be quantified, they must be discussed in qualitative terms. The environmental report should contain sufficient data to aid the Commission in its development of an independent benefit-cost analysis covering the factors specified. The environmental report must also include a discussion of the status of compliance of the facility with applicable environmental quality standards and requirements that have been imposed by Federal, State, and regional agencies having responsibility for environmental protection. In addition, the environ- mental impact of the facility should be fully discussed with respect to matters covered by such standards and requirements irrespective of whether a certification from the appropriate authority has